Published: 8 Sep 2026
DGTR Recommends Five-Year Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Aluminium Sheets and Coils
Omega QMS Compliance Insights
Omega QMS
India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended continuing the anti-dumping duty on “Certain Flat Rolled Aluminium Products” (FRP) originating in or exported from China PR for a further five years. The recommendation follows the conclusion of a sunset review initiated after Hindalco Industries Limited sought continuation of the existing measure, which was imposed in December 2021.
At the same time, DGTR has introduced narrowly defined product exclusions for certain colour-coated aluminium coils and specialised clad aluminium materials used in radiator and cooling applications, where the investigation found that a corresponding, technically and commercially substitutable domestic product was not established.
Importantly, the DGTR findings dated 3 September 2026 are a recommendation and are not, by themselves, a new enforceable customs duty. The continuation of the measure and the new exclusions will require an implementing notification from the Central Government/CBIC.
Background: Existing Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Aluminium Products
The original anti-dumping investigation concerning certain flat rolled aluminium products from China PR was initiated in September 2020. DGTR issued its final findings in September 2021, following which the Central Government imposed anti-dumping duty through Notification No. 68/2021-Customs (ADD) dated 6 December 2021 for five years. The existing measure is due to expire on 5 December 2026.
The product under consideration broadly covers aluminium rolled coils and sheets, including forms such as circles and plates, across specified dimensions, alloys and finishes. The notified tariff classification includes headings 7606 and 7607, although the customs classification is indicative and does not by itself determine the scope of the product under consideration.
| Product | Certain Flat Rolled Aluminium Products (FRP) |
| Country covered | China PR |
| Existing measure | Notification No. 68/2021-Customs (ADD), 6 December 2021 |
| Existing duty expires | 5 December 2026 |
| Indicative tariff headings | 7606 and 7607 |
| DGTR findings | 3 September 2026 (F. No. 7/11/2026-DGTR) |
| Recommendation | Continue duty for five years, with three exclusions |
Why Was a Sunset Review Conducted?
Under India’s anti-dumping framework, a sunset review examines whether expiry of an existing anti-dumping measure is likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry. The question is forward-looking: what is likely to happen if the duty is allowed to expire?
DGTR concluded that expiry of the measure is likely to result in continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury, based on import trends, pricing, Chinese production capacity, export orientation, third-country trade measures, the attractiveness of the Indian market and other relevant factors.
Key Reasons Behind DGTR’s Recommendation
Large Chinese Surplus Capacity
DGTR noted surplus flat rolled aluminium capacity in China of approximately 1.5 million MT, more than 4.7 times India’s total annualised imports from all sources during the period of investigation. Even limited diversion of this surplus could materially affect Indian import volumes, prices and market conditions.
Declining Export Realisations
The investigation recorded continued imports from China despite the existing duty, together with declining export realisations to India. DGTR considered the combination relevant to the likelihood of renewed price pressure if the duty expires.
High Export Orientation
China accounted for about 37% of global exports under heading 7606 during the period of investigation. DGTR also noted established Chinese customers and distribution channels in India.
Trade-Remedy Measures in Other Markets
DGTR considered trade-remedial measures affecting Chinese aluminium products in several third-country markets, and found that restrictions elsewhere could increase the risk of diversion towards India if the Indian measure expires.
Changing Global Trade Conditions
The findings record the increase in US Section 232 aluminium duties from 25% to 50% in June 2025 and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entering its definitive phase from January 2026. DGTR treated these as supporting context in assessing export diversion risk.
Three Important Product Exclusions in the 2026 Final Findings
The 2026 sunset review does not provide a blanket exemption for all specialised aluminium products. Instead, DGTR has narrowed the scope for three specifically identified categories where the evidence did not establish a technically and commercially interchangeable domestic product.
Thickness above 80 microns but below 120 microns.
Comprising an AA3003 Modified or AA3005 core with AA4343 aluminium-silicon brazing clad and AA7072 sacrificial clad, in specified thickness ranges for folded/B-type and welded radiator tubes.
0.23 mm to 0.30 mm thick, 200 mm wide with ±0.0075 mm thickness tolerance, for manufacture of fin tubes used in air-cooled condensers and industrial dry-cooling systems.
Actual-User Conditions: Important Compliance Requirement
The exclusions for the specified H24 clad tube materials and the 4343/3003-H24 fin strip are product-specific and subject to an actual-user and end-use condition. They are not general trader exemptions.
For eligible consignments, the findings require supporting documentation including:
- Manufacturer-issued mill test certificate or certificate of analysis identifying the alloy, layer sequence, thickness, temper, width and coil form, as applicable
- Commercial invoice and purchase order carrying a consistent product description
- End-use certificate supported by the applicable customer/OEM specification or drawing
- Enforceable undertaking before Customs that the goods will be consumed in the importer’s own facility for the declared use and will not be sold, transferred or diverted
The findings state that these conditions will be administered at Customs clearance under the Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty or for Specified End Use) Rules, 2022. A consignment that does not satisfy the applicable conditions remains subject to the otherwise applicable anti-dumping duty.
What Happens to the Anti-Dumping Duty Rates?
DGTR has recommended continuation of the existing duty structure rather than creating a new set of producer-specific rates based solely on the current period of investigation. The key recommended treatment is:
| Producer / Exporter | 2021 Duty | 2026 Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Arconic (Kunshan) Aluminum Products Co., Ltd. | NIL | NIL |
| Granges Aluminium (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. | NIL | NIL |
| Jiangsu Dingsheng / Inner Mongolia Liansheng | USD 65/MT | USD 449/MT residual |
| Yinbang Clad Material Co., Ltd. | Not separately listed at USD 65/MT | USD 449/MT residual |
| Other applicable producers/exporters | USD 449/MT residual | USD 449/MT residual |
For importers sourcing from the Dingsheng/Liansheng group, the change from the earlier USD 65/MT preferential rate to the USD 449/MT residual rate is particularly important for landed-cost calculations.
DGTR’s final findings explain that the sunset review did not warrant creation of fresh producer-specific rates, while Dingsheng and Yinbang also faced residual treatment in light of issues concerning their responses.
Impact on Indian Aluminium Importers and Downstream Industries
Indian producers of flat rolled aluminium receive continued trade-remedy protection if the recommendation is implemented. Importers and downstream manufacturers, however, should assess whether their products remain within the duty scope and whether any of the new exclusions could apply.
Assess continued anti-dumping duty exposure.
Compare your exact alloy, clad structure, temper, thickness, dimensions and end use against the narrowly defined exclusions.
A broadly similar “clad”, “fin stock” or heat-exchanger product does not automatically qualify. The complete product combination must satisfy the prescribed conditions.
Monitor the implementing notification rather than treating the DGTR recommendation as the final customs position.
DGTR’s impact assessment indicates the highest residual duty of USD 449/MT would add less than 1% to the identified downstream applications, except for the illustrative pressure-cooker case, where the impact was approximately 2.8%.
DGTR Recommendation Is Not Yet the Final Customs Position
One of the most important practical points for importers is the legal status of the 3 September 2026 findings. DGTR is the investigating authority and its final findings contain a recommendation for continuation. The recommendation does not itself operate as an implementing customs notification.
Businesses should distinguish between the existing 2021 measure and the proposed 2026 continuation. Until the Central Government/CBIC issues the corresponding notification, the new five-year continuation and the newly recommended exclusions are not operative under the 2026 recommendation. Importers should monitor CBIC notifications closely before claiming any new exclusion.
What Should Importers Do Now?
Check the product description, HS classification, alloy, temper, thickness, width, clad structure and end use of planned imports.
Determine whether the imported product falls within one of the narrowly defined exclusions.
Arrange mill test certificates, purchase orders, invoices, end-use certificates and the required customs undertaking.
Use the applicable duty treatment, especially where the supplier is Dingsheng/Liansheng or another producer subject to the residual rate.
Watch for the notification and any subsequent clarification affecting the scope or administration of the measure.
Keep the DGTR Final Findings and supporting technical records for customs and internal compliance purposes.
How Omega QMS Can Help
Omega QMS assists businesses with India’s trade, regulatory and customs compliance requirements, including anti-dumping duty matters. For aluminium importers and downstream manufacturers, our team can support product-scope review, duty applicability assessment, exclusion eligibility analysis, documentation review and regulatory compliance planning.
If your company imports aluminium sheets, coils or specialised clad aluminium products from China PR, an early review of the product specifications and end use can help identify potential duty exposure and determine whether the narrowly defined exclusions may be relevant.
Conclusion
DGTR’s Final Findings in Case No. AD (SSR)-07/2026 recommend continuing India’s anti-dumping duty on certain flat rolled aluminium products from China PR for another five years. The recommendation maintains the existing duty framework while introducing targeted exclusions for selected colour-coated and specialised H24 clad products where domestic supply of a technically and commercially interchangeable product was not established.
For businesses, the immediate priority is not to treat the recommendation as an already effective new duty. Instead, importers should monitor the CBIC notification, review product specifications and prepare the documentation required for any applicable actual-user exclusion. The final customs position will depend on the implementing notification issued by the Central Government.
Import aluminium sheets, coils or clad products from China? Get your duty exposure reviewed early.
Our compliance team can assess product scope, exclusion eligibility and documentation.
Official Reference: Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Government of India. Final Findings, Case No. AD (SSR)-07/2026, F. No. 7/11/2026-DGTR, dated 3 September 2026.
Source: DGTR official website.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
