Indian Govt Ponders PCR Duty

India’s government intends to introduce import duties for passenger car radials in an attempt to protect the domestic industry against the growing quantities of the product being shipped into the country. According to an anonymous official, the Directorate General of Safeguards, a section of the national Revenue Department, is examining an industry filed complaint. Tyre manufacturers allege that the sharp increase in imports over the past year is causing them harm. A formal case is likely to be initiated by the Director General of Safeguards.

If the agency is convinced that increasing imports have resulted domestic industry losses, it will recommend the imposition of an import duty, called safeguard duty, the official said. According to industry data, radial imports almost doubled in April-December 2008 to Rs 2,67 billion (£36.3 million) compared with the previous year.