Duty probe on spandex imports

The Directorate General of Safeguards has initiated safeguard duty probe on imports of bare elastomeric filament yarn, commonly known as spandex. Spandex or elastane is used in various applications such as denim jeans, sportswear, T-shirts, suitings, socks and other garments. A safeguard duty is a temporary measure brought in for a certain timeframe to avert any damage to the domestic industry from cheap imports. The petition seeking safeguard duty imposition on spandex imports was filed by Indorama Industries, which claimed to be the sole producer of bare elastomeric filament yarn in the country.