Whereas, in the matter of import of "Solar Cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels" (hereinafter referred to as the subject goods), falling under heading 8541 or tariff items 8541 40 11 and 8541 40 12 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) (hereinafter referred to as the Customs Tariff Act), the Directorate General of Trade Remedies vide final findings F.No.22/1/2018-DGTR, dated the 16th July, 2018, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part I, Section 1, on 16th July, 2018, has recommended the imposition of safeguard duty on subject goods falling under heading 8541 or tariff items 8541 40 11 and 8541 40 12 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act for a period of two years at the rate specified here in below.

Now, Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 8B of the Customs Tariff Act, read with rules 12, 14 and 17 of the Customs Tariff (Identification and Assessment of Safeguard Duty) Rules, 1997, after considering the said findings of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies and subject to the provisions of paragraph 2, hereby imposes on subject goods falling under heading 8541 or tariff items 8541 40 11 and 8541 40 12 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, when imported into India, a safeguard duty at the following rate, namely:-

(a) twenty five per cent. ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from 30th July, 2018 to 29th July, 2019 (both days inclusive);

(b) twenty per cent. ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from 30th July, 2019 to 29th January, 2020 (both days inclusive); and

(c) fifteen per cent. ad valorem minus anti-dumping duty payable, if any, when imported during the period from 30th January, 2020 to 29th July, 2020 (both days inclusive).

2. Nothing contained in this notification shall apply to imports of subject goods from countries notified as developing countries vide notification No. 19/2016-Customs (N.T.) dated 5th February, 2016, except China PR, and Malaysia.

(Mohit Tewari)

Under Secretary to the Government of India