Centre proposes anti-dumping duty on China antibiotic drug ofloxacin

No impact on end consumer as prices are regulated

The commerce ministry has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on Chinese ofloxacin — a medicine used to treat certain infections — for five years to guard domestic players from cheap imports from the neighbouring country.

The move will not impact the end consumer as prices of essential medicines in India are fixed, said an industry source, who added that there will be no change in the medicine price.

“However, if the API is also brought under this anti-dumping, the government is trying to protect the local industry against cheaper imports,” the person said.

Typically, Chinese bulk drugs are cheaper by