To give relief to domestic producers, the Indian government has imposed safeguard duty on the import of seamless pipes and tubes, based on a petition filed by the domestic producers. Seamless pipes and tubes are used in equipment for power generation, oil exploration, and bearing industry, besides others, reports said.

Safeguard and anti-dumping duty are imposed in cases where there is a fear that excessive or cheap import will harm the domestic industry.

As per notification issued by the Central Board of Excise and Custom (CBEC), safeguard duty will be imposed at 20 percent in the first year (August 13, 2014-August 12, 2015), ten percent in the second year (August 13, 2015-August 12, 2016) and at five percent in the third year (August 13, 2016-February 12, 2017).

This will not be applicable on imports from developing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa, besides others.

The duty was imposed after a detailed study by the Director-General (Safeguard) which pointed out that increased imports from China and other countries have caused adversely impacted the domestic producers.

BHEL, ONGC and Oil India are among the largest consumers of such products, while Jindal Saw and ISMT Ltd. are key domestic producers of these products. BHEL also produces these products to meet part of its requirement.

Source:- rttnews.com