India Initiates Anti-Dumping Probe on Chinese Imports of Bromo-OTBN, Key Ingredient in High BP, Heart Failure Drugs
DGTR Launches Investigation into Alleged Dumping of Critical Pharmaceutical Intermediate Used in Valsartan, Telmisartan Production
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imports of “4-Bromomethyl-2'-Cyanobiphenyl” (commonly known as Bromo-OTBN), a vital pharmaceutical intermediate used in drugs for high blood pressure and heart failure, allegedly dumped into India from China at unfairly low prices.
The investigation follows a complaint filed by M/s Neogen Chemicals Ltd. on behalf of the domestic industry. The company claims that Bromo-OTBN imports from China are being made at dumped prices in significant quantities, causing material injury to Indian manufacturers.
Pharmaceutical Relevance
Bromo-OTBN is a cream to off-white colored organic compound extensively used as an intermediate in the synthesis of critical antihypertensive and cardioprotective drugs, such as Valsartan, Telmisartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, and their derivatives. These medications are widely prescribed to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure, making Bromo-OTBN essential to the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Allegations and Investigation
The applicant alleges that Chinese producers are exporting the product to India at prices below the normal value, undercutting the domestic market and leading to reduced profitability and production utilization for local manufacturers. DGTR has found prima facie evidence of significant dumping margin and injury, justifying the initiation of the investigation.
Period of Investigation and Scope
The period under investigation is January to December 2024, while injury analysis will cover FY 2021–22 to FY 2024–25. The imports are mainly falling under customs tariff headings 29269000, 29339990, 29332990, 29420090, and 29152990.
Notification Details
Case No. AD (OI) 20/2025
Date: 30/06/2025
Mariya is the Senior Editor at JurisHour. She has 5+ years of experience on covering tax litigation stories from the Supreme Court, High Courts and various tribunals including CESTAT, ITAT, NCLAT, NCLT, etc. Mariya graduated from MLSU Law College, Udaipur (Raj.) with B.A.LL.B. and also holds an LL.M. She started as a freelance tax reporter in the leading online legal news companies like LiveLaw & Taxscan.
