Countervailing Duty on Solar Glass Imports from Malaysia
Government Continues Countervailing Duty on Solar Glass Imports from Malaysia
The Central Government has decided to continue the countervailing duty (CVD) on imports of Textured Tempered Glass (Solar Glass) originating in or exported from Malaysia.
This decision follows a review conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which concluded that removing the existing duty could lead to continued subsidized imports and cause injury to Indian manufacturers. Based on these findings, the Government has extended the levy of countervailing duty on such imports.
Products Covered
The duty applies to Textured Toughened (Tempered) Coated and Uncoated Glass, commonly used in solar panels. The product is also known as:
- Solar Glass
- Solar PV Glass
- Low-Iron Solar Glass
- Photovoltaic Glass
- High-Transmission Solar Glass
- Tempered Patterned Solar Glass
The covered product generally includes glass having:
- Light transmission of at least 90.5%;
- Thickness up to 4.2 mm (including tolerance); and
- At least one dimension exceeding 1500 mm.
Countervailing Duty Rates
| Producer | Duty Rate (% of CIF Value) |
|---|---|
| Xinyi Solar (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. | 9.71% |
| SBH Kibing Solar New Materials (M) SDN. BHD | 9.71% |
| All other Malaysian producers/exporters | 10.14% |
| Goods exported from Malaysia but originating in another country | 10.14% |
Special Condition
The lower producer-specific duty rate of 9.71% will be available only if the importer submits a valid commercial invoice certifying that the goods were manufactured by the specified producer in Malaysia.
If such certification is not provided, the higher residual duty rate of 10.14% will apply.
Period of Validity
The countervailing duty will remain in force for five years from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, unless it is withdrawn, amended, or replaced earlier.
Key Takeaway
The Government has extended protection for the domestic solar glass industry by continuing countervailing duties on subsidized imports from Malaysia. Importers of solar glass should review the applicable duty rate and ensure proper documentation is available to claim any producer-specific benefit.
Check Out: What is CPGRAMS?
