Chinese importers of chloroepoxy propane, a chemical used for medicine, pesticide and plastic production, are required to pay extra anti-dumping duties as of Wednesday according to a latest circular of the Ministry of Commerce.

The decision came after the Ministry made a final judgment saying that the import of these products from Russia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States constitute dumping and are harming relevant industries of China.

The circular required Chinese importers to pay anti-dumping duties of up to 71.5 percent to customs authorities to offset the damages to domestic consumers.

The ministry declined to give the number of companies affected.

The investigation into the case began in December 28, 2004. A preliminary judgment was announced on September 21, 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2006)