New Delhi (PTI): The government has decided to withdraw anti-dumping duty on Trimethroprim, an organic chemical used by drug companies, imported from China.

The government had imposed anti-dumping duty of 19.71 dollars per kg on the chemical in 2002 after an investigation by the Finance Ministry found that the import of product at below market price from China was affecting domestic industry.

According to a notification by Central Board of Customs and Excise last week, the government decided to withdraw anti-dumping duty on Trimethroprim imports from China.

Alpha Drugs India Ltd and Inventaa Chemicals Ltd had filed a petition before the government, alleging dumping of Trimethoprim (TMP) originating in or exported from China. They had also requested initiation of anti-dumping investigations and levy of anti-dumping duties.

Following the complaint, Directorate of Anti-Dumping conducted investigations during 1999-2000 that finally led to imposition of the duty, sources said.

The government has, however, decided to continue with anti-dumping duty on imports of float glasses that are mainly used in construction from China and Indonesia.

Sources said Finance Ministry had imposed an anti-dumping duty of 71-81 US dollars per metric tonne on float glasses imported from Indonesia and 72.27 dollars per metric tonne on imports from China in 2003. Anti-dumping duty on Mulberry Raw Silk (27.97 dollars pr kg) from China has also been extended till January 2009, the sources said.