The government has extended the minimum import price restriction on suspension-grade PVC resin to 12 months at USD 0.766 per kilogram, building on the initial six-month policy implemented in July 2026. According to the latest notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has amended the import policy for Suspension Grade PVC Resin (S-PVC) under ITC (HS) Code 39041020 with immediate effect. The notification states that "Import of Suspension grade PVC Resin (S-PVC) having CIF Value more than USD 0.766 per Kilogram is Free for a period of twelve months from the date of publication of this Notification." This extension represents a significant extension of the original six-month restriction, with the policy valid for a period of twelve months as officially introduced on July 24, 2026. The restriction aims to strictly control the inflow of high-priced supplies into the domestic market, stabilize domestic raw material price fluctuations, and protect the local chemical industry. As per PTI, importers will now need a license from the government to import the product, marking a significant shift in import procedures for this critical raw material.
The government has exempted certain categories of imports from the minimum import price condition. As reported in the notification, 100% Export Orientated Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and under the Advance Authorisation Scheme are not subject to the minimum import price requirement, subject to the condition that the imported inputs are not sold into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). The notification's 'Effect of this Notification' section confirms that import-oriented schemes will continue to be exempt from the restriction, provided they meet the prescribed conditions. The exemption applies specifically to "The Minimum Import Price... will not be applicable for import by 100% Export Orientated Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and under the Advance Authorisation Scheme." Additionally, imports of suspension PVC resin used for processing export products are not subject to these price restrictions, ensuring that downstream export enterprises can import raw materials at lower prices to maintain the cost competitiveness of their export products. This resin is used for manufacturing rigid pipes, cable insulation, and window profiles, making the exemption particularly relevant for export-oriented industries in these sectors.
The latest restriction follows an earlier anti-dumping investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated following complaints by domestic manufacturers Chemplast Cuddalore Private Limited, DCM Shriram Limited and DCW Limited. According to reports, the investigation was launched after allegations of dumping of suspension-grade PVC resin from seven countries. In its final findings issued in August 2025, the DGTR concluded that dumped imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry through price undercutting, price depression and rising import penetration, and recommended the imposition of anti-dumping duties for five years. However, the DGFT notification issued today does not explicitly link the twelve-month import restriction to the DGTR investigation or cite it as the reason for the policy change.
The DGFT notification issued on July 24, 2026 establishes the specific import policy framework for suspension-grade PVC resin. As reported, the restriction applies to all imports except those falling under the exempted categories, with the twelve-month period beginning from the date of publication of the notification. The policy change represents a significant shift in India's import policy for this specific PVC resin grade, affecting both domestic manufacturers and import-dependent industries during the restriction period. The notification explicitly states that "Import of Suspension grade PVC Resin (S-PVC) having CIF Value more than USD 0.766 per Kilogram is Free for a period of twelve months from the date of publication of this Notification," while maintaining the exemption for specified export-oriented schemes. This price control measure is another significant step by India to tighten PVC import controls following anti-dumping measures, further tightening import access standards and reshaping the domestic PVC raw material supply structure, which will in the short term affect the pace of global suspension PVC resin exports to India.
