The Directorate General of Safeguards has started scrutinizing imports of bare elastomeric filament yarn on a petition filed by Indorama Industries seeking imposition of safeguard duty on bare elastomeric filament yarn also known as spandex imports. A safeguard duty is a temporary measure brought in for a certain timeframe to turn away any damage to the domestic industry from cheap imports.

Indorama claims to be the India’s sole producer of bare elastomeric filament yarn, commonly known as spandex. Spandex is a synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity. It is strong, but less durable than its major non-synthetic competitor, natural latex. Spandex or elastane is used in various applications such as denim jeans, sportswear, T-shirts, suitings, socks and other garments.

Bare elastomeric filament yarn is imported into India from a number of countries, primarily from Vietnam, South Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Indorama Industries sought imposition of safeguard duty on its imports for a period of three years. The company has also made a case for imposition of provisional safeguards duty.