Anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of Calcined Gypsum Powder originating in or exported from Iran, Oman, Saud

To be published in Part-I Section I of the Gazette of India Extraordinary

F. No. 07/06/2026-DGTR

Government of India Ministry of Commerce and Industry Directorate General of Trade Remedies) 4th Floor, Jeevan Tara Building, 5 Parliament Street, New Delhi — 110001

INITIATION NOTIFICATION Case No. ADD (SSR) — 03/2026

• Subject: Initiation of sunset review investigation of anti-dumping duties imposed on imports of “Calcined Gypsum Powder” Originating in or exported from Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

1. F. No. 07/06/2026-DGTR: Having regards to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 as amended from time to time (hereinafter referred as the 'Act') and the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment, and Collection of Anti-Dumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules,1995, as amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Rules’), M/s Saint Gobain India Pvt Ltd., (hereinafter referred to as the “applicant’’), has filed an application before the Designated Authority (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Authority’), for initiation of sunset review investigation for continued imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports of Calcined Gypsum Powder, originating in or exported from Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE (hereinafter referred to as the ‘subject countries’).

ed imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports of Calcined Gypsum Powder, originating in or exported from Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE (hereinafter referred to as the ‘subject countries’).

2. In terms of Section 9A (5) of the Act, the anti-dumping duty imposed shall, unless revoked earlier, cease to have effect on expiry of five years from the date of such imposition, and the Authority is required to review whether the expiry of duty is likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. In accordance with the same, the Authority is required to review, on the basis of a duly substantiated request made by or on behalf of the domestic industry as to whether the expiry of duty is likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury.

• A.

Background of the previous investigations

3. The original anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of subject goods from subject countries was initiated on 29.09.2020 by the Designated Authority vide its initiation notification No. 6/45/2020 DGTR. Pursuant to detailed investigation, the Designated Authority recommended imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of subject goods from the subject countries vide its final findings notification No.6/45/2020-DGTR_ dated 27.09.2021. The recommendations of the Designated Authority were implemented vide Notification No. 73/2021-Customs (ADD) dated 17.12.2021 for a period of five years. The current Anti-dumping duty is valid up to 16.12.2026.

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B. Product under consideration (PUC)

4. The product under consideration in the present petition is “Calcined Gypsum Powder (Gypsum Plasters)” also referred as Plaster of Paris, Gypsum Stucco and Stucco Powder”. Gypsum Rock is chemically called Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate (CaSO4. 2 H20), which when heated in controlled way it loses 1.5 water (H2O) from its crystal structure to become stucco or gypsum plaster which is chemically known as Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate (CaSO4. 0.5 H20). As per the sunset review investigation carried out by the Designated Authority, the product has been defined as under:

“7. The product under consideration in the present application is "Calcined Gypsum Powder or Gypsum plaster". The subject goods are also known as Plaster of Paris, Gypsum Stucco and Stucco Powder".

8. Gypsum Rock is chemically called Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate (CaSO4. 2 H2O), which when heated in controlled way it loses 1.5 water (H2O) from its crystal structure to become stucco or gypsum plaster which is chemically known as Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate (CaSO4. 0.5 H2O).

hich when heated in controlled way it loses 1.5 water (H2O) from its crystal structure to become stucco or gypsum plaster which is chemically known as Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate (CaSO4. 0.5 H2O).

9. The subject goods are majorly used for levelling the surface. i.e., brick / block / RCC surface is coated with a 12-15 mm ofgypsum plaster which gives it a smooth undulation, crack free finish. On top of this then putty and paint is applied. Traditionally people used to use sand-cement plaster which is now replaced with a direct coat ofgypsum plaster. It is also used as decorative building elements like cornices & POP sheets. The subject goods are also usedfor the purposes ofpunning, such as a levelling /finishing element on top ofsand-cement plaster.

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10. The subject products are classified under Chapter Heading 25 "Mineral products: Salt; Sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement” ofthe Customs Tariff Act, The classification at the S-digit level is 25202010. It is also noted that the custom classification is indicative only and in no way, it is binding upon the product scope and the product description prevails in circumstances of conflict.”

11. It has been contended that no significant developments have taken place over the period. The present investigation being a sunset review investigation, product under consideration remains the same as defined in the previous investigation

t developments have taken place over the period. The present investigation being a sunset review investigation, product under consideration remains the same as defined in the previous investigation

6. The Applicant industry has not proposed any PCNs. The parties to the present investigation may provide their comments on the PUC and product control numbers (PCNs), if any, within 15 days from the date of[initiation][of][this][investigation][or][date][of] the receipt of this notice.

7. The applicant has stated that there are no significant differences in the article produced by the applicant and exported from the subject county. The article produced by the applicant and imported from the subject countries are comparable in terms of physical and chemical characteristics, manufacturing process and technology, functions and uses, product specifications, pricing, distribution and marketing, and tariff classification of the subject goods. The subject goods and the article manufactured by the applicant are technically and commercially substitutable. The applicant has claimed that consumers

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of the PUC are using the subject goods and the article manufactured by the applicant interchangeably.

8. Therefore, for the purpose of the present investigation, the subject goods produced by the Applicant in India are being treated as ‘Like Article’ to the subject goods being imported from the subject countries.

D. Countries involved

9. The subject countries in the original investigation were Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The present investigation being a sunset review investigation, the subject countries are same as the original investigation.

E. Period of Investigation

10. The period of investigation (POI) for the investigation is from Ist October 2024 to 30th September 2025 (12 months). The injury examination period is April 2022 - March 2023, April 2023 - March 2024, April 2024 - March 2025 and the proposed period of investigation.

F. Domestic Industry and Standing

11. Rule 2(b) defines domestic industry as follows:

“domestic industry” means the domestic producers as a whole engaged in the manufacture of the like article and any activity connected therewith or those whose collective output ofthe said article constitutes a major proportion of the total domestic production ofthat article except when such producers are related to the exporters or importers of the alleged dumped article or are themselves importers thereof in such case the “domestic industry” may be construed as referring the rest of the producers

12. The application has been filed by M/s Saint Gobain India Pvt Ltd. (SGIPL), who is the major producer (55%) of the Calcined Gypsum Powder or Gypsum plaster in India. M/s Saint Gobain India Pvt Ltd., further submitted that in the present case producers of the subject goods are from fragmented industry consisting of a large number of small producers across the country. The Applicant has further stated that, it is not practically possible to collect data relating to production from each individual producer, due to nature and size of industry. It is further submitted that there are no published records of the gross domestic production of the product in India and such information is also not collated by any governmental or market research agency however, as per their information, they account for major producers of the subject goods in India.

t in India and such information is also not collated by any governmental or market research agency however, as per their information, they account for major producers of the subject goods in India.

13. The Applicant has also certified that there are no imports of the product under consideration by the Applicant or any of its related party. Further, they are also not related to any importer of the subject goods in India. Therefore, the Authority has considered the Applicant as Domestic Industry within the meaning of the Rule 2(b) of the Rules, and the application satisfies the criteria of standing in terms of Rule 5(3) of the Rules supra.

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Normal Value for Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE:

14. The applicant has submitted that it has attempted to obtain the prevailing prices of the subject goods in the subject countries. However, it could not obtain any credible information which could be relied on for the purpose of determining the normal value. Since the PUC does not have a dedicated tariff classification, the export data from publicly available sources such as UN Comtrade, Trade map etc., could not be relied on to reach a ‘comparable representative export price of the subject goods from the respective subject countries to an appropriate third country.’

15. Inthe absence of any other information, the normal value for the subject countries have been determined on the basis cost of production of the applicant industry duly adjusted for selling, general and administrative expenses and reasonable profits. This normal value has been considered for the purpose of present initiation. Export Price

16. The export price of the product under consideration has been determined by considering the CIF price of the product under consideration as reported in DG Systems data. Adjustments have been claimed for ocean freight, marine insurance, commission, bank charges, port expenses, handling expense, inland freight and credit costs

Dumping Margin

17. The normal value and the export price have been compared at the ex-factory level. It is prima facie seen that the dumping margin is positive. This prima facie establishes that product under consideration continues to be dumped in the domestic market of India by the exporters from the subject countries.

H. Likelihood of continuation or recurrence of injury and causal link

18. The applicants have provided prima facie evidence with respect to the continued injury suffered by the domestic industry because of the dumped imports. The price undercutting and price suppression caused by dumped imports have prevented the domestic industry to recover the full cost and achieve a reasonable rate of return. The applicant is suffering from decline in profits, cash profits, and return on capital employed. The applicant has also claimed that there is a likelihood of further injury in the present investigation and provided information on surplus capacities, likely suppressing effect of imports and other information.

19. The information provided by the applicant, prima facie, shows likelihood of continuation/recurrence of dumping from the subject countries and the consequent injury to the domestic industry in case of cessation of the anti-dumping duties

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I. Initiation of sunset review investigation.

20. On the basis of the duly substantiated application of the applicant, and having satisfied itself on the basis of the prima facie evidence submitted by the applicant, substantiating the likelihood of continuation/ recurrence of dumping and injury, and in accordance with Section 9A(5) of the Act read with Rule 23 (1B) of the Rules, the Authority hereby initiates a sunset review investigation to review the need for continued imposition of[the] duties in force in respect of the subject goods, originating in or exported from the subject countries and to examine whether the expiry of such duty is likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry.

• J. Procedure

21. Principles, as given in Rule 6 ofthe Rules, will be followed for the present investigation.

K. Submission of Information

22. All the interested parties are required to register themselves on SETU Portal (https://setu.dgtr.gov.in). All communications and submissions from the interested parties shall be uploaded on the SETU portal under their registered name and corresponding case ID- AD/SSR/003/2026. It should be ensured that the narrative part of the submission is in searchable PDF/MS-Word format and data files are in MS-Excel format.

23. The known producers/exporters in subject countries, the government of subject countries through their embassies in India, and the importers and users in India who are known to be associated with the product under consideration are being informed separately to enable them to file all the relevant information within the time limits mentioned in this initiation notification. All such information must be filed in the form and manner as prescribed by this initiation notification, the Rules, and the applicable trade notices issued by the Authority.

24. Any other interested party may also make a submission relevant to the present investigation in the form and manner as prescribed by this initiation notification, the Rules, and the applicable trade notices issued by the Authority within the time limits mentioned in this initiation notification.

25. Any party making any confidential submission before the Authority is required to make a non-confidential version of the same available to the other interested parties.

nitiation notification.

25. Any party making any confidential submission before the Authority is required to make a non-confidential version of the same available to the other interested parties.

26. The interested parties are further advised to keep a regular watch on the official website of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies at www.dgtr.gov.in and SETU portal(https://setu.dgtr.gov.in) for any updated information with respect to this investigation. Interested parties are directed to regularly visit the website of DGTR (https://www.dgtr.gov.in/) to stay apprised with the further developments in the subject investigation and remain informed regarding notices that may be issued from time to time regarding questionnaire formats, PCN methodology, PCN discussion/meeting schedule, notice of oral hearing, corrigendum, amendment notifications, and other such information.

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27. Any information relating to the present investigation should be uploaded on the SETU portal (https://setu.dgtr.gov.in) under their registered name and corresponding case IDAD/SSR/003/2026. Both versions of each submission, the confidential version (CV) and the non-confidential version (NCV) must be uploaded in the respective designated columns within 37 days from the date on which the nonconfidential version of the application filed by the domestic industry would be circulated by the Authority or transmitted to the appropriate diplomatic representative of the exporting country as per Rule 6(4) of the ADD Rules, 1995.

ation filed by the domestic industry would be circulated by the Authority or transmitted to the appropriate diplomatic representative of the exporting country as per Rule 6(4) of the ADD Rules, 1995. If no information is received within the stipulated time limit or the information received is incomplete, the Authority may record its findings based on the facts available on record and in accordance with the ADD Rules, 1995.

28. All the interested parties are hereby advised to intimate their interest (including the nature of interest) in the instant matter and file their questionnaire responses within the above time limit as stipulated in this notification through SETU portal only.

29. The 15 day period to file comments on the scope of PUC/PCN Methodology shall run concurrently with the time limit mentioned in para 26 above of this initiation Notification.

30. Extension due to Modification of PUC/PCN: An extension oftime[by][15][days][shall][be] granted if the Authority, through a subsequent notice, modifies the PUC, and PCN that was not previously proposed or is different from the initiation notification. This extension of 15 days shall be granted from date of such notification of modified PUC and PCN. Extension of time by 15 days stated in this paragraph is not applicable in instances where there is no change in the PUC, and PCN methodology after initiation of investigation.

modified PUC and PCN. Extension of time by 15 days stated in this paragraph is not applicable in instances where there is no change in the PUC, and PCN methodology after initiation of investigation. Requests for a further extension of time, beyond the 15-day extension (if granted), will ordinarily not be considered except in case of exceptional circumstances, in line with the Rule 7(4) of the AD Rules.

31. Any request for an extension must be submitted by the concerned parties through the SETU portal at least one day before the original deadline specified in paragraph 26 above. Requests submitted after this time will not be considered.

M. Submission of Information on Confidential Basis

32. Where any party to the present investigation makes confidential submissions or provides information on a confidential basis before the Authority, such party is required to simultaneously submit a non-confidential version of such information in terms of Rule 7 of the ADD Rules and in accordance with the relevant trade notices issued by the Authority in this regard. Failure to adhere to the above may lead to rejection of the response/submissions.

33. The parties making any submission (including Appendices/ Annexures attached thereto), before the Authority including questionnaire responses, are required to file confidential and non-confidential versions separately.

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34. Such submissions must be clearly marked as “confidential” or “non-confidential” at the top of each page. Any submission that has been made to the Authority without such markings shall be treated as “non- confidential” information by the Authority, and the Authority shall be at liberty to allow other interested parties to inspect such submissions.

rity without such markings shall be treated as “non- confidential” information by the Authority, and the Authority shall be at liberty to allow other interested parties to inspect such submissions.

35. The confidential version shall contain all information which is, by nature, confidential, and/or other information, which the supplier of such information claims as confidential. For the information which is claimed to be confidential by nature, or the information on which confidentiality is claimed because ofother reasons, the supplier of the information is required to provide a good cause statement along with the supplied information as to why such information cannot be disclosed.

36. The non-confidential version of the information filed by the interested parties should be a replica of the confidential version with the confidential information preferably indexed or blanked out (where indexation is not possible) and such information must be appropriately and adequately summarized depending upon the information on which confidentiality is claimed.

ly indexed or blanked out (where indexation is not possible) and such information must be appropriately and adequately summarized depending upon the information on which confidentiality is claimed.

37. The non-confidential summary must be insufficient detail to permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information furnished on a confidential basis. However, in exceptional circumstances, the party submitting the confidential information may indicate that such information is not susceptible to summary, and a statement of reasons containing a sufficient and adequate explanation in terms of Rule 8 of the Rules, 1995, and appropriate trade notices issued by the Authority, as to why such summarization is not possible, must be provided to the satisfaction of the Authority.

38. The interested parties can offer their comments on the issues of confidentiality claimed by the domestic industry within 7 days from the date of circulation of the nonconfidential version of the documents.

39. The Authority may accept or reject the request for confidentiality on examination of the nature of the information submitted. If the Authority is satisfied that the request for confidentiality is warranted or if the supplier of the information is either unwilling to make the information public or to authorize its disclosure in generalized or summary form, it may disregard such information.

warranted or if the supplier of the information is either unwilling to make the information public or to authorize its disclosure in generalized or summary form, it may disregard such information.

40. Any submission made without a meaningful non-confidential version there of or a sufficient and adequate cause statement in terms of Rule 8 of the Rules, and appropriate trade notices issued by the Authority, on the confidentiality claim shall not be taken on record by the Authority.

41. The Authority on being satisfied and accepting the need for confidentiality of the information provided, shall not disclose it to any party without specific authorization of the party providing such information.

N. Inspection of public file.

42. All non-confidential versions of submissions made by any interested party will be accessible to other interested parties through their respective login on the SETU portal.

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O. Non-Cooperation

43. Incase any interested party refuses access to and otherwise does not provide necessary information within a reasonable period or within the time stipulated by the Authority in this initiation notification or subsequently time period provided through separate communication, or significantly impedes the investigation, the Authority may declare such interested party as non-cooperative and record its findings based on the facts available and make such recommendations to the Central Government as it deems fit.

Amitabh Kumar, (Designated Authority)

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