India sodium nitrite: 0% Deepak review, 42.76% exceptions

What changed

Commerce kept its preliminary results after no substantive change: Deepak Nitrite Limited was the only individually examined respondent and had a 0.00% margin. Kronox Lab Sciences and Kutch Chemical Industries were not individually examined, so each received the investigation’s 42.76% all-others rate.

The review of Buradon, Palvi and Lotus Global was rescinded for lack of suspended entries. For reviewed entries in the 1 February 2024–31 January 2025 period, a zero or de minimis respondent or importer-specific rate can lead to liquidation without antidumping duties.

Commerce’s automatic-assessment exception applies to Deepak-produced merchandise sold to an intermediary when Deepak did not know it was destined for the United States: CBP can liquidate at 42.76% if no rate exists for the intermediary.

Kronox and Kutch entries are assessed at their final review margin; rescinded firms’ entries use the cash deposit required at entry.

Separately, for consumption entries from 16 September, new deposits are 0.00% for Deepak and 42.76% for Kronox and Kutch, with prior company rates or the 42.76% residual rate for other suppliers according to the notice.

Commerce plans assessment instructions no earlier than 35 days after publication; a timely court summons can delay liquidation.

Action checklist

• Identify producer, exporter and any intermediary for each sodium nitrite entry; do not assume Deepak’s zero margin covers U.S.-bound sales it did not know about.
• For February 2024–January 2025 entries, distinguish reported Deepak sales, intermediary sales, the two non-examined companies and the three rescinded firms before estimating final assessment.
• For new consumption entries from 16 September 2026, check ACE deposits against the company hierarchy and track CBP assessment instructions, court holds and the reimbursement certificate before liquidation.