The Dyestuffs Manufacturers’ Association of India, popularly known as DMAI was set up in 1950, (Manufacture of dyes in India was started in 1940), to promote and protect trade, commerce & Industries connected with dyestuffs & to encourage friendly feelings & unanimity amongst those engaged in the manufacture of dyestuffs in India.

This objective has been achieved manifold; be it representations to various Ministries & Governmental agencies, encouraging the exports of the country, high-lighting causes to Municipal Authorities, encouraging deserving students, increasing our own technical competence etc.

The Association, in the 50's & 60's encouraged the development of the Small Scale Industry in the Dyestuff trade. It took up the cause of these newly established companies and played an important role in obtaining import licenses for the vital raw materials required by these SSI companies. The Association has also helped the Small Scale Industries in getting concessional excise tariffs and reservation benefits.

In the 70's, the country faced a number of external, natural and commercial difficulties such as wars, droughts, power shortages, etc. The Association to a large extent became the spokesperson for the members in high-lighting their cause to the various Government Authorities, be they Central, State or Municipal.

In the 80's, the focus of the Industry moved from import substitution to export. Here too, the Association has been active in its regular interaction between its members & Government organisations such as DGFT, Customs, Excise etc.

The Association, in order to promote the exports of the Small Scale Companies, initiated a consortium approach in many emerging markets. This yielded positive results and went a long way in maturing the Indian dyestuff manufacturers to face global competition. Trade delegations went to U. K., Europe, South East Asia, Japan, China etc.

Consequently, the industry grew to a size of 1000 dyestuffs and intermediates manufacturing units. All sectors (Dyes, Dye Intermediates, Basic Chemicals, Textile Chemicals, etc.) were represented in the membership of the DMAI. The profile of the industry too underwent a metamorphosis to include a large number of small, medium as well as large companies, as the Association has always strived for a balanced growth of the industry.

AIDCON was an important landmark in the history of the Association. This meet, held in 1985, was a bringing together of various elements associated with the dyestuff trade. These included manufacturers of dyestuffs (multi national companies, large Indian companies, small scale companies), manufacturers & distributors of dye intermediates, dye merchants, traders, government bodies, export promotion bodies etc. This meeting resulted in a greater understanding of the viewpoints of the various groups.

In 1991, the Association presented a detailed 'Strategic Action Plan' to the Ministry of Chemicals & Petroleum. This 'Action Plan' was for both, the Industry & the Government, with respect to the various aspects affecting the growth of the dyestuff industry viz. up-gradation of technology, ecology, safety, cost & global marketing. In 2001, DMAI again presented A Strategic Action Plan to the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals envisaging an ambitious export turnover of Rs.12000 crores during the decade. We are happy that quite a few suggestions put forward to the Govt. have since been implemented for the betterment of the Industry. An Action Plan for ensuing decade ending 2020 for the colorant industry would be submitted to the Govt. Authorities for their consideration shortly.

A number of Seminars have been held to create awareness, disseminate available information and guide members to meet pollution control norms & safe handling practices. The Association has pledged at all levels to help in meeting the regulations without adversely affecting the growth of the industry. Through its Annual Awards, DMAI has been encouraging its members to constantly improve their performance in various fields, particularly in the areas of research, safety, health and environment. Top ranking ICT students of Color Chemistry are also recognized and felicitated by DMAI.

DMAI participates in the international chemical mega events such as India Chem, Chem Expo, Chemspec exhibitions as co-sponsor.

A biennial International Convention on Colorants was organised in 2005, 2007, 2009 and recently in 2011 jointly with the Dyestuff Technology Department of Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and supported by the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, GOI in Mumbai. Speakers from India and abroad explored and debated on the latest technical developments including functional colorants for colorants industry and researchers. Global knowledge on technological innovations was disseminated among the participants for the industry growth.

A Conference on Contribution of Colorants to Indian Economic Growth was organized jointly by DMAI & FICCI along with the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, GOI, in March 2008 in Mumbai. It was for the first time in the annals of the dyestuff industry that both the manufacturers and users industries were brought under the same umbrella for mutual benefits.

For the past 6 years, a delegation comprising members from DMAI visited China Interdye Exhibition. Delegation from Shanghai Coatings and Dyestuffs Trade Association and China Dyestuff Industry Association called on DMAI members and exchanged useful information about the Dyestuffs Industry in both the countries. During

Summit Forum 2009 and 2010 in Shanghai presentations were also made.

A Conference on “Colorants Unlimited – a Confluence of Makers & Users” was organized jointly with SDC and supported by the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India in February 2010 at The Club, Andheri, Mumbai. Eminent speakers from the user and dyestuffs industry presented their papers on various subjects.

To meet the needs of the Indian textile exporters, a directory of Safe Dyes has been published. DMAI NEWSLETTER is published on regular basis.

The association is proud of its role in promoting growth of the Dyestuffs & Dye Intermediate Industry. This role has been evolving to meet the constantly changing demands of the consumer industry and international markets.