With allegations emerging of possible dumping of spandex yarn in India from China and three other countries, the country’s Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has initiated the investigation in the imports.

This follows Indorama Industries’ move in seeking imposition of anti-dumping duty on such “cheap shipments”.

Spandex is a variety of yarn used in manufacturing hosiery, swimsuits, aerobic or exercise wear, ski pants, golf jackets, disposable diaper and waist bands, among others. In the case of such yarns being dumped randomly in the country, there is a good chance of the garment manufacturing industry in India getting affected owing to the surge in cheap import of the product.

According to the DGAD, that there is sufficient evidence of illegal dumping originating from China, apart from three other countries — South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“…The Authority (DGAD) hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry… To determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping and to recommend the amount of anti-dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the ‘injury’ to the domestic industry,” it said, while justifying its decision to initiate the probe.

Spandex or Elastane is the generic names for ‘Elastomeric Filament Yarn’. It is also loosely known as ‘Lycra’ in the market, although ‘Lycra’ is really a specific brand name.