DGTR Revises CVD Rates on Continuous Cast Copper Wire Rod Imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a corrigendum notification revising the countervailing duty (CVD) rates applicable to imports of continuous cast copper wire rods from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The corrigendum, published in the Gazette of India on July 2, 2025, substitutes the earlier duty table to accurately reflect the final findings of the sunset review investigation into subsidized copper wire rod imports from the four ASEAN countries.

According to the updated notification, country and producer-specific CVD rates are now applicable.

The revised countervailing duty rates on continuous cast copper wire rod imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam now range from nil for certain producers up to 10.27 percent for others, depending on the exporter and country of origin.

Under the notification, countervailing duty is to be calculated on the landed value of imports as determined under the Customs Act, 1962, with certain specified duties excluded from the calculation.

Comprehensive Guide of Law and Procedure for Filing of Income Tax Appeals, Click Here

The measure stems from the DGTR’s sunset review findings where it was concluded that removal of the duties would likely lead to the recurrence of subsidized imports and injury to the Indian copper wire rod industry.

The notification specifies producer-wise rates, exempts a few major manufacturers, and clarifies that only copper wire rods in coil form, both above and below 6mm in diameter, are covered under the corrigendum, while other copper alloys or insulated products are excluded.

While the CVD rates have been updated, the basic customs tariff remains unchanged; the notification specifically revises CVD rates for continuous cast copper wire rod imports as a trade remedy.

Customs Crackdown on Copper Importers

This development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny in India’s copper import sector. In June 2025, customs authorities across India launched a widespread crackdown on copper importers, issuing show-cause notices to more than 1,000 companies for allegedly evading duties under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement by misdeclaring the origin of copper products.

Authorities alleged that many importers claimed their goods were from Vietnam to benefit from zero percent Basic Customs Duty, though the material was actually sourced from non-ASEAN countries such as China. This investigation, which covered imports from 2019 to 2023 led to numerous demands for back duties and penalties and has drawn criticism from industry groups concerned about disruptions to legitimate business operations.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates