DGTR Recommends USD 268/MT Anti-Dumping Duty on Seamless Steel Pipes from China

Businesses importing seamless steel pipes from China should be able to consider reviewing their costs of importation and the characteristics of products based on a recent recommendation issued by India’s trade remedy agency. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) issued its final determination on the anti-dumping duty that applies to some seamless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow sections from China.

After examining imports and the financial condition of Indian manufacturers, DGTR recommended continuing anti-dumping measures for another five years. It also proposed replacing the existing reference-price-based duty with a fixed duty of USD 268 per metric tonne (MT) for specified imports. One Chinese manufacturer, Jiangsu Chengde Steel Tube Share Co., Ltd., has been recommended a NIL rate, subject to certain invoice conditions.

The recommendation could be important for steel importers, traders, domestic manufacturers and businesses that purchase these products for refineries, boilers, heat exchangers and engineering projects. However, it does not cover every seamless steel pipe. The product's material, dimensions, technical specifications and country of origin all matter.

However, there is a significant legal aspect as well. DGTR has proposed the new rates of duty, but another Customs Notification by Central Government is required to implement these rates. Thus, until 26 October 2026, the operative duty provision needs to be considered instead of taking USD 268/MT as the payable rate of duty.

DGTR Final Findings at a Glance

Why Is India Reviewing Anti-Dumping Duty on Seamless Steel Pipes from China?

Anti-dumping duty has applied to certain seamless steel products imported from China for several years. The purpose of the October 2026 review was to find out whether that protection was still needed.

An anti-dumping duty is an additional import duty that may be imposed when goods are exported to India at dumped prices and the imports cause injury to Indian producers.

In simple terms, dumping happens when an exporter sells goods in another country at a price below the product's normal value, as determined under the applicable rules.

The low-cost imports can be advantageous for the buyers in the short run. Yet, when the products are being dumped, the Indian producers will have difficulties competing in the market even though their manufacturing operations are efficient.

Anti-dumping duty is intended to address injury caused by such imports. It does not mean that all imports from the country concerned are prohibited.

What Is a Sunset Review?

Under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, an anti-dumping duty generally expires after five years unless a review establishes that removing it is likely to result in continued or renewed dumping and injury.

This review is known as a sunset review.

The Authority looks at several matters, including import volumes, selling prices, the condition of Indian manufacturers and whether exporters are likely to increase dumped shipments if the duty ends.

In the current case, DGTR examined whether ending the existing anti-dumping measures on Chinese seamless steel pipes would lead to further injury to Indian manufacturers.

History of Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Seamless Steel Pipes

The October 2026 review is part of a longer series of investigations and government measures.

The current findings therefore relate to an existing trade-remedy measure. DGTR has recommended that it should continue, but with a different duty structure and narrower product coverage.

What Are the Main Findings of DGTR's October 2026 Sunset Review?

DGTR reviewed the volume and prices of imported products, domestic production, market share, capacity utilisation and the financial condition of Indian manufacturers.

The period of investigation covered 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025. The Authority also examined information from 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 to understand how the market had changed.

The findings highlighted several concerns.

1. Imports from China Increased Despite Anti-Dumping Duty

Another key finding by DGTR was that there had been continuous increase in the importation of seamless steel products in question despite the imposition of anti-dumping duty.

The investigation recorded the following import volumes.

Although imports did not increase every year, the total volume during the investigation period was approximately 53% higher than in 2022–23.

During the same period, demand for the products in India increased by approximately 23%.

This difference mattered because imports from China were growing faster than demand in the Indian market.

The Authority considered this an indication that the existing measures had not fully addressed the pressure faced by domestic manufacturers.

2. Indian Manufacturers Were Facing Pressure on Selling Prices

The investigation also looked at the price at which imported goods entered India and how those prices affected domestic manufacturers.

DGTR found that Indian producers had reduced their selling prices more sharply than their costs had fallen.

For a manufacturer, this creates a difficult position. Even when production and sales increase, the business may earn less from the goods it sells.

The Authority concluded that the subject imports had depressed domestic selling prices and contributed to the deterioration of the domestic industry's financial performance.

3. The Domestic Industry Lost Market Share

The findings show that the domestic industry's share of the Indian market declined during the review period.

While the domestic industry continued supplying a large part of the market, its share fell by four percentage points.

At the same time, the share of Chinese imports under review increased by four percentage points.

This was significant because Indian manufacturers had available production capacity and demand for the products was increasing.

4. Domestic Manufacturers Were Using Less Than Half Their Capacity

Production capacity tells us how much a manufacturer can produce using its available facilities.

Capacity utilisation shows how much of that available capacity is actually being used.

The investigation recorded the following figures for the domestic industry:

Production and sales had improved by the investigation period. However, the manufacturers were still using less than half of their available capacity.

DGTR also examined whether low utilisation could be explained by expansion of domestic production facilities. It noted that the installed capacity had remained unchanged during the injury period.

The Authority considered the continued presence of dumped imports an important factor in the domestic industry's underutilisation.

5. Profitability Had Declined Sharply

Higher production does not always mean better financial performance.

In this investigation, domestic manufacturers reported higher production volumes but much weaker financial results.

DGTR recorded that, compared with 2022–23:

• Profit per metric tonne had declined by approximately 94%.
• Total profits had declined by approximately 94%.
• Cash profits had declined by approximately 76%.
• Return on capital employed had declined by approximately 83%.

The Gazette does not disclose all the underlying financial amounts because some information was treated as confidential.

DGTR nevertheless concluded that profitability had weakened significantly, reducing the industry's ability to sustain operations and fund future investments.

6. DGTR Found That Dumping and Injury Could Continue

The Authority also looked beyond the current import figures.

It considered whether Chinese exporters could increase supplies to India if the duty were allowed to expire.

The review examined available production capacity in China, unused capacity, international market conditions and trade restrictions affecting Chinese steel exports in other countries.

The Authority found that Chinese producers had substantial unused production capacity.

It also noted that several overseas markets had trade-remedy measures affecting Chinese steel products.

Based on its assessment, DGTR concluded that ending the existing duty was likely to result in continued dumping and further injury to Indian manufacturers.

This conclusion was the main reason for recommending that anti-dumping measures should remain in place.

What Changes Has DGTR Recommended for Seamless Steel Pipe Imports?

The October 2026 findings are important for three reasons.

First, DGTR recommended continuing anti-dumping duty for another five years.

Second, it proposed changing the way the duty is calculated. Instead of continuing with the existing reference-price mechanism, it recommended a fixed duty for the covered imports.

Third, the products covered by the present review are narrower than those considered in the original investigation.

For importers, the proposed rate is only one part of the picture. Product coverage, exclusions and supplier details are equally important.

Which Seamless Steel Pipes and Tubes Are Covered Under the Review?

The product under consideration includes certain seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles made from iron, alloy steel or non-alloy steel.

The main product conditions are as follows.

The outside diameter limit is particularly important. The description covers products with an external diameter not exceeding 355.6 mm, subject to the other conditions.

A seamless pipe is manufactured without a welded seam. Such pipes are used in applications where strength, pressure resistance and reliability are important.

However, being a seamless steel pipe does not automatically place a product within the anti-dumping measure.

The precise steel grade, manufacturing method, technical specification and excluded categories must also be checked.

For businesses importing steel pipes from China, this product-level review is essential before calculating the applicable anti-dumping duty.

Which Seamless Steel Products Are Excluded from the 2026 Review?

DGTR has identified several categories that are outside the scope of the present sunset review.

This is an important part of the notification because businesses dealing in specialised steel products may otherwise assume that the recommended duty covers their entire product range.

These descriptions should be read together with the complete exclusions in the final findings. Some exclusions depend on the product's technical specifications, intended use or the identity of an approved manufacturer.

Why Have Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods Been Excluded?

Oil Country Tubular Goods, commonly known as OCTG, are steel tubular products used in oil and natural gas drilling and related operations.

During the present review, DGTR excluded the specified OCTG products that had been covered under Product Control Numbers A-1-1 to A-1-4 in the original investigation.

The domestic industry had not sought continued anti-dumping protection for these products under the present review.

DGTR accepted the narrower product scope.

This does not mean that every pipe used in the petroleum industry is excluded. The review still includes certain boiler pipes and line pipes used in the hydrocarbon industry.

An importer must therefore check the actual product description rather than relying only on the industry in which the pipe will be used.

What Is the HS Code for Seamless Steel Pipes Covered by the Review?

The products under consideration are classified under Customs Heading 7304, within Chapter 73 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.

Heading 7304 generally concerns seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron or steel.

However, DGTR has made it clear that the Customs heading is only indicative.

This means an importer cannot decide that a product is covered simply because it falls under Heading 7304.

The product must also meet the description used in the anti-dumping measure.

Similarly, an exclusion may apply to a product even when it falls within the wider tariff heading.

Product Control Number (PCN) Classification

DGTR also used Product Control Numbers to compare different product categories during its investigation.

The relevant categories are:

These PCNs were used for fair comparison during the investigation. They are not separate Customs tariff headings or import licence categories.

For businesses reviewing seamless steel pipe import compliance, product specifications and tariff classification should be considered together.

What Anti-Dumping Duty Rate Has DGTR Recommended for Chinese Seamless Steel Pipes?

DGTR has recommended a fixed anti-dumping duty of USD 268 per metric tonne for specified imports.

However, the same proposed rate does not apply to every producer.

The recommended duty table distinguishes between the country where the product originates, the country from which it is exported and the manufacturer.

Recommended Anti-Dumping Duty Rates

The recommended rates apply only to goods falling within the relevant product description and other applicable conditions.

These rates also remain subject to implementation through the appropriate Customs notification.

Why Has One Chinese Manufacturer Been Recommended a NIL Rate?

Jiangsu Chengde Steel Tube Share Co., Ltd. participated in DGTR's investigation and provided information relating to its exports.

DGTR separately examined the information supplied by the company.

The Authority found a positive dumping margin for the cooperating exporter but a negative injury margin. The recommended duty table accordingly provides an individual NIL rate for this manufacturer.

However, this treatment is conditional.

The importer must comply with the commercial invoice requirement specified in the final findings if that condition is carried into the operative notification.

Other manufacturers fall under the general recommended duty entries.

What Does a Fixed Duty of USD 268/MT Mean?

A fixed duty is linked to the quantity of covered goods imported.

In this case, DGTR has recommended a specified amount per metric tonne for the relevant entries.

This differs from a duty that depends on whether the landed import price falls below a set reference price.

For businesses purchasing large quantities of seamless steel pipes, the duty mechanism can influence landed-cost calculations and supplier comparisons.

However, importers should not use the recommended USD 268/MT rate as the final duty payable until a Central Government notification makes it legally applicable.

Why Has DGTR Recommended Replacing the Reference-Price Duty with a Fixed Duty?

The existing anti-dumping measures use a reference-price-based system.

Under this mechanism, duty is linked to the difference between the notified reference price and the landed value of the goods, where the landed value is below the reference price.

DGTR examined whether this approach remained effective.

One concern raised by the domestic industry was that exporters could declare import prices close to or slightly above the reference-price level while the products continued to compete at much lower prices in the Indian market.

These were submissions made during the investigation, not a finding that every Chinese exporter had committed Customs misdeclaration.

The Authority also observed that the reference-price benchmark was based on cost and price conditions from the original investigation period in 2014.

Market conditions had changed considerably since then.

At the same time, DGTR found that subject imports had increased and Indian manufacturers continued to face price pressure and weaker profitability.

The Authority therefore considered a fixed duty more appropriate.

Existing Duty vs Recommended Duty

This distinction is significant because the final findings made in October 2026 are only recommending a new mechanism, and are not intended to supersede the current notification.

When Will the New Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Seamless Steel Pipes Become Effective?

On 23 October 2026, DGTR announced its final findings. Nonetheless, the fixed-duty rates suggested in those final findings do not become effective on that date.The Central Government must issue the relevant Customs notification to give effect to the recommendations.

What Is the Current Duty Position?

This anti-dumping duty measure was extended by Notification No. 64/2021-Customs (ADD), dated 28th October 2021.

Thereafter, the Ministry of Finance extended the measure up to and including 27th January 2027, by Notification No. 16/2026-Customs (ADD), dated 6th July 2026.

No late-coming implementing Customs notification that would implement the revised rate of USD 268/MT has been found as at 26 October 2026 in the official sources consulted in preparing this update.

Importers should therefore continue to rely on the current duty provisions.

Important Dates for Importers

DGTR has recommended continuation for a further five years from the relevant implementing notification.

It would therefore be incorrect to assume that the proposed five-year period automatically began on 23 October 2026.

For importers, the safest approach is to check the legally operative notification before finalising the landed cost or filing the relevant Customs documents.

What Are the Commercial Invoice Requirements for the Individual NIL Duty?

The recommended NIL duty for Jiangsu Chengde Steel Tube Share Co., Ltd. is not an unconditional benefit.

DGTR has specified a commercial invoice declaration requirement for the named producer.

Under the recommendation, a valid commercial invoice must include a declaration confirming that the relevant goods were manufactured by the specified company in China.

The declaration must be dated and signed by an official of the entity issuing the invoice. The official must also be identified by name and function.

Information Required in the Invoice Declaration

The prescribed declaration covers:

• The quantity of seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles being exported to India.
• The manufacturer's name and address.
• Confirmation that the relevant goods were manufactured by the named company in China PR.
• Confirmation that the information in the declaration is complete and correct.
• The date, signature, name and function of the authorised official.

Importers should refer to the exact wording in paragraph 129 of DGTR's final findings and any corresponding condition in the implementing Customs notification.

What Happens If the Required Invoice Is Not Available?

DGTR's recommendation states that where the required invoice is not presented, the duty applicable to the "Any" producer category would apply.

The final findings also clarify that Customs authorities may independently verify the information under applicable Customs laws.

For businesses purchasing from the named Chinese manufacturer, the invoice condition is therefore an important issue to check.

However, the requirement must be applied in accordance with the relevant operative Customs notification, rather than treating the recommended provision as already effective.

Does Anti-Dumping Duty Apply to Steel Pipes Imported Through Other Countries?

Some international shipments involve more than one country.

Goods may be manufactured in one country but exported to India from another.

The DGTR recommendation considers both the country of origin and the country of export.

These details are not interchangeable.

Goods Originating in China but Exported Through Another Country

The recommended duty table includes covered goods originating in China PR and exported from any country, including China.

This means routing Chinese-origin goods through an intermediary country does not automatically remove them from the recommended measure.

The origin of the goods and the relevant duty entry still need to be examined.

Goods Exported from China but Originating Elsewhere

The recommended table also contains an entry for covered goods originating in a country other than China PR but exported from China PR.

The proposed rate for this category is USD 268/MT.

Importers must therefore check both origin and export details instead of relying only on the location of their immediate supplier.

What Did DGTR Say About UAE and Singapore?

During the investigation, the domestic industry raised concerns about possible movement of Chinese goods through countries such as UAE and Singapore.

It argued that some goods declared as originating in these countries might actually be Chinese products routed through intermediary traders.

DGTR considered these submissions but did not conclude that every product declared as originating in UAE or Singapore was Chinese-origin.

The Authority noted that determining the origin of individual import shipments is a matter for Customs authorities.

It also stated that allegations of circumvention may be dealt with separately under Rule 25 of the Anti-Dumping Rules.

For importers, the practical message is clear: the shipping route alone is not enough to determine duty liability.

The actual product, country of origin, country of export and applicable Customs notification all need to be checked.

How Will the Recommended Duty Affect Indian Steel Manufacturers and Importers?

The recommendations may affect businesses differently depending on whether they manufacture, import, distribute or use seamless steel products.

Impact on Indian Seamless Steel Pipe Manufacturers

For Indian manufacturers, DGTR's recommendation supports the continuation of measures intended to address injury from dumped imports.

The Authority found that domestic producers had sufficient capacity to meet Indian demand but were operating at relatively low utilisation levels.

It also recorded a decline in profitability and market share.

If the recommended measure is implemented, it may help address the pricing pressure identified in the investigation.

However, the actual financial benefit to individual manufacturers will depend on demand, production costs, selling prices and competition.

Impact on Steel Pipe Importers and Traders

For importers and traders, the most important issue is the possible effect on import costs.

A fixed duty can influence the cost of importing covered goods, especially for businesses purchasing large quantities.

Importers should review the product description and any exclusions before making assumptions about the recommended rate.

They should also check the supplier's identity, the country where the goods originated and the country from which they were exported.

Where an individual producer-specific rate is relevant, the supporting invoice condition must also be considered.

Impact on Chinese Exporters

The recommended duty table distinguishes one cooperating Chinese producer from other manufacturers.

This makes producer identity an important consideration.

Exporters supplying the covered products to India should understand the product coverage, proposed duty entries and documentation requirements.

The final legal treatment will depend on the Central Government's implementing notification.

Impact on Industrial Buyers and Procurement Teams

Seamless steel pipes are used across several industrial sectors.

Businesses purchasing these products for machinery, plant construction or other industrial applications may need to review their supplier arrangements if the recommended duty takes effect.

This could involve checking existing quotations, purchase contracts, expected import costs and alternative sourcing options.

Such reviews are commercial risk-management steps, not additional legal duties created by DGTR's final findings.

Which Industries Could Be Affected by the Anti-Dumping Duty Recommendation?

The findings discuss the use of covered seamless steel products in several downstream industries.

These include:

• Oil and gas: Certain line pipes and boiler pipes used in hydrocarbon-related operations.
• Refineries: Pipes and tubes used in relevant industrial systems.
• Boiler systems: Seamless products used in applicable boiler installations.
• Heat exchangers: Tube products used in heat-transfer equipment.
• Hydraulic equipment: Seamless steel tubes used in hydraulic cylinders.
• Rolling bearings: Relevant alloy-steel bearing tubes.
• Construction and engineering: Covered products used in machinery and structural or general engineering applications.

The impact on a business will depend on the type of product purchased and whether that product falls within the notified scope.

What Did DGTR Find About the Effect on Downstream Industries?

DGTR examined the possible cost impact on businesses that use these products.

The domestic industry submitted information indicating that anti-dumping duty would account for a relatively small part of the overall cost of certain large industrial projects.

The Authority also considered the available domestic manufacturing capacity and whether it was sufficient to meet Indian demand.

After reviewing the information, DGTR concluded that continuing anti-dumping measures would have a negligible effect on downstream users and would not create a significant demand-supply gap.

This conclusion reflects the Authority's assessment in the investigation. It should not be treated as a guarantee that all industrial buyers will experience the same cost impact.

A business's actual import cost will depend on the product, quantity, supplier, contract terms and the duty legally applicable to the shipment.

What Documents Should Importers Check Before Importing Seamless Steel Pipes from China?

The October 2026 findings do not introduce a general new registration or document-submission process for every importer.

However, businesses can reduce uncertainty by checking the information used to identify the goods and determine their import treatment.

The following documents and records may be useful, depending on the transaction and applicable requirements.

These are practical verification items. They should not all be described as newly mandatory documents under the October 2026 DGTR findings.

Importers should follow the documentation rules that actually apply to their product and transaction.

What Should Businesses Do After DGTR's October 2026 Final Findings?

The final findings do not mean every importer must immediately obtain a new licence or change its Customs filings.

Still, businesses regularly importing the covered products should review a few important points.

1. Check Whether the Product Is Covered

Start with the actual product specification.

Look at the material, manufacturing process, outside diameter and description.

Ensure that the commodity is covered by the anti-dumping law before determining its duty rate.

2. Review the Exclusion List

Compare the product with the exclusions mentioned in the final findings.

This is particularly important for OCTG products, specialised alloy-steel pipes, premium connections and certain high-pressure pipes.

3. Confirm the Applicable Customs Classification

Determine if the classification of the product under the appropriate tariff number heading is correct.

Note that the Heading No. 7304 is illustrative and not exhaustive.

4. Verify the Manufacturer and Export Route

Confirm the name of the actual producer, the country of origin and the country of export.

These details can affect the applicable duty entry.

5. Examine Invoice Conditions

Where a producer-specific rate is relevant, review the required commercial invoice declaration.

Do not assume that purchasing through a trader changes the producer-specific conditions.

6. Check the Current Customs Notification

Before calculating import duty, confirm whether the Central Government has implemented the revised recommendations.

The existing duty structure should not be replaced with the proposed fixed rate until the appropriate notification takes effect.

7. Review Import Costs and Purchase Contracts

For organizations which plan their future shipments, there is a need to evaluate the impact of the proposed duty amendment on pricing and sourcing decisions.

This will help to ensure that any discrepancies that might arise between quote prices and landed costs do not arise.

8. Monitor Further Government Notifications

Keep track of relevant notifications issued by the Ministry of Finance and developments published by DGTR.

The final duty structure, applicable rates and effective date should always be checked against the legally operative instrument.

What Are the Risks of Incorrectly Applying Anti-Dumping Duty?

An error in product classification, origin details or duty-rate selection may create problems during import assessment.

Businesses could face questions about the tariff classification, documents supporting the product description or the basis on which a particular duty rate was claimed.

Incorrect duty treatment may also affect the actual landed cost and the business's financial planning.

Where additional duty is legally payable, the consequences will depend on the applicable Customs provisions and circumstances.

The October 2026 DGTR final findings do not create a separate general penalty schedule for importers.

A careful review before filing the relevant import documents is therefore preferable to making assumptions based only on the product name or recommended rate.

Can DGTR's Final Findings Be Challenged?

The final findings state that an appeal against the determination of the Designated Authority may lie before the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Customs Tariff Act and the Anti-Dumping Rules.

An affected party considering legal action should examine the relevant statutory requirements, procedural conditions and applicable limitation period.

The final findings should not be treated as establishing a separate new appeal deadline unless that deadline is supported by the governing law.

How Can Corpseed Help Businesses with Import Compliance in India?

Importing goods into India involves more than purchasing products from an overseas supplier. Depending on the goods and the business, an importer may need an Import Export Code, relevant DGFT authorisations and other documentation.

Businesses dealing in steel products should also understand the difference between import-policy requirements and anti-dumping duty.

An anti-dumping duty does not automatically make a product restricted under the DGFT import policy. Similarly, holding an Import Export Code does not remove any Customs duty that is otherwise legally payable.

Corpseed offers services in several import-related compliance areas.

1. Import Export Code (IEC) Registration Assistance

Businesses generally require an Import Export Code for importing or exporting goods, subject to applicable exemptions.

Corpseed provides IEC registration services for businesses requiring assistance with the registration process and related documentation.

2. DGFT Import Licence Assistance

Some goods require separate DGFT import authorisation because they are classified as restricted under the applicable import policy.

Corpseed provides DGFT licence assistance for restricted imports and exports where such authorisation is required.

A DGFT licence should not be presented as mandatory merely because a seamless steel pipe is covered by an anti-dumping measure.

3. ICEGATE Registration Assistance

ICEGATE is the electronic platform used for Customs-related services and filings.

Businesses requiring assistance with the relevant registration process can explore Corpseed's ICEGATE registration services.

4. Import Licensing and Documentation Support

Corpseed also provides services in the wider area of import licensing compliance.

The appropriate service depends on the imported product, the business's existing registrations and the specific regulatory requirements involved.

Need assistance with import-related registrations or documentation? Businesses can contact Corpseed to discuss their applicable IEC, DGFT and related import-compliance requirements.

For a definitive assessment of anti-dumping duty on a particular consignment, importers should also consult the operative Customs notification and obtain appropriate specialist Customs advice.

Key Takeaways

The DGTR final findings issued on 23 October 2026 are an important development for businesses dealing in specified seamless steel pipes, tubes and hollow profiles imported from China.

The main points are:

• DGTR has recommended continuing anti-dumping measures for another five years because it found a likelihood of continued dumping and injury to Indian manufacturers.
• The Authority has proposed replacing the existing reference-price-based mechanism with a fixed duty of USD 268/MT for specified imports.
• Jiangsu Chengde Steel Tube Share Co., Ltd. has been recommended a conditional NIL duty rate.
• Certain OCTG products and other specified steel products are excluded from the present review.
• The proposed rates will become legally effective only through an applicable Central Government Customs notification.
• Importers should verify the product description, supplier, origin, export route and legally operative duty provisions before calculating import costs.

For businesses importing seamless steel products, the most important step is to check what the current law actually requires rather than relying only on the proposed duty rate.