India has introduced an anti-dumping duty of up to $986 per tonne on 'Trichloro isocyanuric acid,' a chemical used in water treatment, imported from China and Japan, according to a report by news agency PTI. The Ministry of Finance stated in a notification that this duty will remain in effect for five years to safeguard the domestic industry from low-cost imports.

"The anti-dumping duty imposed...shall be levied for a period of five years (unless revoked, superseded or amended earlier)," as per the notification read.  

The decision is based on recommendations from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the investigative body of the commerce ministry. The DGTR concluded that domestic manufacturers have faced "material injury" because they were used to dumping this chemical from China and Japan.

Anti-dumping measures are implemented to promote fair trade and create equal opportunities for local industries, not to block imports or unfairly increase product prices. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) examines these cases and makes recommendations, while the finance ministry makes the final decision, usually within three months.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) permits countries to impose anti-dumping duties as a legitimate trade practice, but only if thorough investigations confirm that dumping is occurring. These duties typically remain in effect for several years and can be reassessed or extended if needed. China and Japan are important trade partners for India. According to WTO regulations, countries have the right to impose anti-dumping duties if cheap imports negatively impact local industries. This decision aims to protect Indian manufacturers from unfair pricing strategies and maintain market stability for the chemical.