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India Extends Safeguard Duty For Another Year

Earlier India mandated imported solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels from China and Malaysia to pay a safeguard duty. Now, under the extension, similar imports from Vietnam will also be expected to pay up the duties. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Anu Bhambhani
  • India has decided to continue imposing safeguard duty on imported solar cells and modules
  • Chinese, Malaysian and Vietnamese solar cells and modules imported into India will be required to pay safeguard duty for another year
  • In the first year from July 30, 2020 to January 29, 2021 the duty will be 14.90%, followed by 14.50% to be imposed between January 30, 2021 and July 29, 2021

The Indian Ministry of Finance acting through the Department of Revenue has extended the safeguard duty on solar cells and modules imported to India from China, Thailand and Vietnam. Earlier it was supposed to end on July 30, 2020. It will now remain in effect till July 29, 2021 albeit with lower duties.

As per the new notification to be published in the Indian Gazette, solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels coming from the above mentioned 3 countries will be required to pay anti-dumping duty (ADD) of 14.90% between July 30, 2020 to January 29, 2021, including both these days as well.

The duty will drop down to 14.50% between January 30, 2021 to July 29, 2021. The Revenue Department's decision follows the recommendations made by the Director-General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recently to continue with the duties for another year to 'remove injury to the domestic industry' (see Safeguard Duty May Be Extended By Another Year In India).

Official notification for the extension of safeguard duty can be viewed on the website of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC).