Glufosinate Imports from China Placed Under Provisional Assessment During Anti-Absorption Review
The Central Government has introduced an important customs compliance measure for importers of Glufosinate and its salts originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China. Pending the outcome of an ongoing anti-absorption review initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), imports of the product will now be subject to provisional assessment under the Customs Act.
It is important to note that this measure does not replace or suspend the existing anti-dumping duty. Instead, it introduces an additional compliance requirement under which Customs authorities may require importers to furnish a guarantee for any differential anti-dumping duty that may become payable after completion of the review.
This development has significant implications for importers, customs brokers, and businesses relying on Glufosinate imports from China.
What Has the Government Ordered?
The Central Government has ordered that imports of Glufosinate and its salts from China shall be subjected to provisional assessment while the DGTR completes its anti-absorption review investigation.
The order has been issued after the Designated Authority observed prima facie evidence suggesting absorption of anti-dumping duty, prompting the need for further examination under Rule 30 of the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995.
The provisional assessment will remain applicable until the Central Government takes a final decision based on the recommendations of the Designated Authority.
Background of the Existing Anti-Dumping Duty
The present development is linked to the anti-dumping duty already in force.
Final Findings by DGTR
The DGTR had issued its Final Findings recommending anti-dumping duty on imports of Glufosinate and its salts from China after concluding that dumped imports were causing injury to the domestic industry.
Existing Anti-Dumping Duty
Based on these findings, the Ministry of Finance imposed anti-dumping duty through:
- Notification No. 09/2025-Customs (ADD)
- Dated: 8th May 2025
This anti-dumping duty continues without any change.
Why Has the Anti-Absorption Review Been Initiated?
An anti-absorption review examines whether exporters have effectively absorbed the anti-dumping duty instead of allowing it to increase the landed price of imported goods.
In such situations, exporters may reduce export prices after the duty is imposed, thereby reducing the intended protective effect of the anti-dumping measure.
The DGTR initiated the review after finding sufficient prima facie evidence indicating possible absorption of the existing anti-dumping duty on Glufosinate imports from China.
What Is Provisional Assessment?
Under provisional assessment:
- Customs will continue clearing imports.
- The final anti-dumping liability is not determined immediately.
- Importers may have to furnish a guarantee covering any potential differential anti-dumping duty.
- Once the review concludes, Customs will finalize the assessment based on the Government’s final decision.
This mechanism protects government revenue while allowing imports to continue during the investigation.
Guarantee Requirement for Importers
The notification authorizes the proper Customs officer to require an appropriate guarantee from importers.
The guarantee is intended to cover any additional anti-dumping duty that may become payable if the final outcome of the anti-absorption review results in an increased duty liability.
The amount and nature of the guarantee will be determined by the proper officer of Customs.
Existing Anti-Dumping Duty Continues
A key clarification in the notification is that the current anti-dumping duty remains fully applicable.
Importers must therefore continue paying anti-dumping duty under Notification No. 09/2025-Customs (ADD) dated 8th May 2025, in addition to complying with the provisional assessment requirements introduced under the latest notification.
The provisional assessment is not a replacement for the existing anti-dumping duty.
Compliance Impact on Importers
Businesses importing Glufosinate and its salts from China should prepare for additional Customs procedures.
Importers should:
- Review shipments currently under import.
- Coordinate with customs brokers regarding provisional assessment requirements.
- Be prepared to furnish guarantees if required by Customs.
- Maintain complete import documentation.
- Monitor the outcome of the DGTR anti-absorption review for any future changes in anti-dumping duty.
Note
- Existing anti-dumping duty on Glufosinate imports from China continues without any change.
- Imports will now undergo provisional assessment during the anti-absorption review.
- Customs authorities may require importers to furnish a guarantee for any differential anti-dumping duty that may arise after completion of the review.
- The measure remains in force until the Central Government issues its final decision based on the DGTR’s recommendations.
Conclusion
The latest Government notification introduces an additional layer of customs compliance for importers of Glufosinate and its salts from China. While the existing anti-dumping duty remains unchanged, imports will now be cleared under provisional assessment during the ongoing anti-absorption review.
Importers should ensure timely compliance with Customs requirements, particularly regarding guarantees that may be demanded for potential differential anti-dumping duty. Businesses should also closely monitor further notifications issued by the DGTR and the Central Government, as the final outcome of the review may affect future anti-dumping duty liabilities.
Notification Reference: 14/2026-Customs (ADD)
03/07/2026