Borosil Renewables Ltd, India’s leading solar glass manufacturer, has welcomed the Centre’s decision to continue the imposition of definitive countervailing duty (CVD) on imports of solar glass (textured tempered glass) from Malaysia for another five years.
The recommendation by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) follows a review that found continued subsidisation of imports and the likelihood of injury to the domestic industry if the duty were withdrawn.
The Central Government has issued a notification extending the countervailing duty under the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act and the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Countervailing Duty on Subsidized Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules, 1995. The notification supersedes the earlier CVD notification issued in March 2021.
Boost to domestic manufacturing
Borosil said the continuation of the duty would help address the adverse impact of subsidised imports on domestic manufacturers and support the growth of India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.
“This measure will not only protect domestic manufacturers but also accelerate investments in expansion of local production, driving exponential growth across India’s solar glass industry,” the management said.
Supporting India’s solar ambitions
Solar glass is a key raw material used in photovoltaic modules and is an essential part of India’s renewable energy value chain. Domestic manufacturers have long argued that subsidised imports from Malaysia have exerted pricing pressure and affected the viability of local production.
The continuation of the CVD comes as India seeks to reduce import dependence and expand domestic manufacturing under its broader clean energy and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
Industry observers believe the move will provide greater certainty to manufacturers planning capacity expansion and help improve utilisation levels at existing facilities.
Borosil Renewables, which has been at the forefront of advocating trade remedies for the domestic solar glass industry, said the duty extension would create a more level playing field for Indian manufacturers while supporting the country’s long-term renewable energy goals.