New Delhi, Dec 14 (KNN) In order to protect domestic players from cheap imports, government may impose anti-dumping duty for five years on a Chinese chemical used in dye and photography industry.

The chemical named 'Meta Phenylene Diamine' was recommended by commerce ministry's investigation arm, Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for imposition of duty, after conducting a probe.

In this regard, the directorate concluded that there has been continued dumping of the chemical from China and it is likely to continue and increase if the current duty is allowed to cease. 

"The authority recommends imposition of anti-dumping duty, so as to remove the injury to the domestic industry," said DGTR in a notification. 

The recommended duty ranges between USD 1,015.44 per tonne and USD 573.92 per tonne. The decision to finally impose the duty will be taken by the finance ministry. 

The matter was highlighted by Aarti Industries Ltd, who had filed an application before the DGTR alleging continuation of dumping of this chemical from China. It asked for review and continuation of the anti-dumping duties on the imports. 

In March 2013, the government had imposed duty of USD 0.78 per kg on the imports of this chemical from China for five years.