India begins anti-dumping investigation on solar cell imports

INDIA: As many state governments push for solar power to augment power capacity, the Directorate General of Anti−Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has initiated investigations on solar cell imports from China, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and the US.

The anti−dumping agency under the ministry of commerce and industry has said it finds sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping of solar cells from the four countries.

The DGAD action comes on an application from Solar Manufacturers' Association −− on behalf of Indosolar Ltd., Jupiter Solar Power Ltd., and Websol Energy Systems Ltd. −− alleging dumping of solar cells, whether or not assembled partially or fully in modules or panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates originating in or exported from Malaysia, China, Chinese Taipei and the US.

The Solar Manufacturers' Association has asked the DGAD to initiate anti−dumping investigation for levy of anti−dumping duties on solar cells imported from the four countries.

"There is sufficient prima facie evidence of injury being suffered by the domestic industry caused by dumped imports from the subject countries to justify initiation of an anti−dumping investigation," the notification said. The period of investigation will be Jan 1, 2011, to June, 30, 2012, (18 months), to make required analysis on updated data.

According to the notification, the injury investigation period will, however, cover the periods April 2008−March 2009, April 2009−March 2010, April 2010−March 2011 and the period of investigation, the notification said.

According to the notification, interested parties can file their submissions on the issue to DGAD including on the demand of the Solar Manufacturers' Association on retrospective imposition of duty.