New Delhi, Mar 19 (KNN) In order to protect domestic producers from below-cost shipments, India has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of Chinese pharma products that are being used in the treatment of certain infections.

In a notification issued by the revenue department in the Finance Ministry it has been proposed that the duty on import of ‘Ofloxacin’ from china will be in the range of $2.58 to $9.48 per kilogram for 3 years.

The anti-dumping duty has been imposed following the recommendations of the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD).

Aarti Drugs had approached the DGAD for initiation of anti-dumping investigation and imposition of the duty concerning imports of Ofloxacin, originating in or exported from China.

After closely examining the imports, the authority came to conclusion that the product has been exported to India from China below its normal value that results in dumping.

While recommending the levy the DGAD said, “The domestic industry has suffered material injury due to dumping of the product.”

Ofloxacin is used to treat certain infections including bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of the skin, bladder, urinary tract, reproductive organs, and prostate (a male reproductive gland).It is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that kills the bacteria causing infections.

Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in imports which are below the cost of producing them and as a counter measure; they impose duties under the multilateral regime of WTO.

The aim is to ensure fair trade practices and create a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters. (KNN/YV)