India's Directorate General of Antidumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has launched a formal investigation into the alleged dumping of ball bearings into that country from China, Poland, Russia and Romania.

The investigation is the result of a compliant filed by the 12-member Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturers Association of India. In their complaint, members allege that ball bearings and parts are being sold into India at below market value from those four countries.

Specifically supporting the complaint are member companies FAG Bearings India Ltd., NRB Bearings Ltd., SKF Bearings India Ltd., and Tata Bearings Ltd. The All-India Ball and Roller Bearing Merchant's Association is reportedly not involved.

The DGAD followed up on the complaint and performed a preliminary investigation, covering the period January 1, 2001 through March 31, 2002. Following the preliminary investigation, the DGAD ruled there is sufficient evidence of dumping and initiated the formal investigation now underway.

Specifically, the complaint involves unmounted ball bearings, mounted ball bearings, and component parts for ball bearings, up to 50mm bore size.

No timetable was available for the results or what remedies the Indian Commerce Ministry may pursue if the investigation finds dumping has occurred.

In related action, Indian authorities continue to wrestle with the widespread problem of counterfeit bearings, many of which are being smuggled in from these same four countries. Low-quality, counterfeit ball bearings branded as SKF, FAG and other well-known names are being manufactured in those countries -- primarily from China, it is alleged -- and sold into India via a wide distribution network. Some estimates indicate that as many as 40% of the bearings sold by aftermarket distributors in India are counterfeit.