India opened an anti-dumping investigation on Sept. 30, 2026 into counterbalance forklifts up to 16 tonnes from China and Japan, which could lead to extra import duties.<\/p>\n
India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) opened an anti-dumping investigation on Sept. 30, 2026 into imports of counterbalance forklifts of up to 16 tonnes from China and Japan1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The case follows a complaint by Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., an Indian forklift maker1<\/a><\/sup>. It is listed on the DGTR website as an ongoing original investigation, listed alongside cases on persulphates, caprolactam and clavulanic acid2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n In short, India is checking whether Chinese and Japanese forklifts are sold in India below a fair price and are hurting Indian makers. No new duty applies yet, but the investigation could end with extra import taxes on these forklifts from both countries.<\/p>\n DGTR is the trade-defence office of India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Its head, called the Designated Authority, signed the initiation notification under file number 6\/60\/2026-DGTR1<\/a><\/sup>. The case has the online case number SETU Case ID AD\/OI\/061\/2026<\/strong>3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n An anti-dumping duty<\/strong> is an extra import tax on goods sold abroad below their normal price. Before India can charge one, DGTR must investigate. It must find that the goods are dumped, that local makers are hurt, and that the dumping causes the harm.<\/p>\n The notification says DGTR will find out whether dumping exists, how large it is and what effect it has1<\/a><\/sup>. It will then recommend a duty amount that would be enough to remove the harm to Indian makers1<\/a><\/sup>. The notice does not set any rate. That comes only at the end of the case.<\/p>\n The legal basis is Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, read with Rule 5 of India’s Anti-Dumping Rules of 19951<\/a><\/sup>. The investigation will follow the procedure in Rule 6 of those rules1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The case covers counterbalance forklifts up to 16 tonnes<\/strong> that a driver rides and operates1<\/a><\/sup>. Both diesel and electric models are included, in Class I, IV and V1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n A counterbalance forklift carries a heavy weight at the back. This counterweight balances the load lifted on the forks at the front. The truck can then lift without side legs or other support1<\/a><\/sup>. The notice describes these machines as used to lift, carry and stack loads in factories, warehouses and logistics sites1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The forklifts are covered in all forms in which they arrive1<\/a><\/sup>. These include:<\/p>\n So an importer cannot avoid the case by shipping a forklift as a kit. The unit of measure in the case is the number of pieces1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n Two groups of goods are outside the case. Standalone parts and components<\/strong> of counterbalance forklifts are excluded1<\/a><\/sup>. Spare parts shipped on their own are therefore not under investigation.<\/p>\n Counterbalanced stackers<\/strong> are also excluded1<\/a><\/sup>. These are machines that a worker walks behind or stands on, with no seat for the operator1<\/a><\/sup>. Only rider-operated forklifts are in the case.<\/p>\n The forklifts fall under tariff heading 8427 of India’s Customs Tariff1<\/a><\/sup>. They enter India under three codes: 84271000, 84272000 and 84279000<\/strong>1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nWhat has DGTR started on forklifts?<\/h2>\n
Which forklifts are covered?<\/h2>\n
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Which forklift goods are left out?<\/h2>\n
What the forklift case does not cover<\/h4>\n
Which customs codes apply to forklift shipments?<\/h2>\n
How DGTR groups forklifts for price checks<\/h4>\n