Investigations into Chinese Thermal Paper Rolls

Summary#

On June 12, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) started investigations under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into alleged dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls from the People’s Republic of China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a short preliminary inquiry into whether Canadian producers are being hurt.

What it does#

• The CBSA is investigating claims that thermal paper rolls imported from the People’s Republic of China are being dumped (sold below fair value) and subsidized.
• The goods are generally classified under tariff number 4811.90.00.90, but that code can include products that are not part of the investigation and some subject goods might fall under other codes.
• The CITT will carry out a preliminary inquiry and must decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry.
• If the CITT finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigations will stop.
• A Statement of Reasons will be published within 15 days after the CITT decision.
• The CBSA invites written submissions and evidence. To be considered, they must arrive by October 20, 2025, sent electronically to simaregistry@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Confidential filings must be accompanied by a public (edited) version.

Who's affected#

• Canadian producers of thermal paper rolls (domestic manufacturers).
• Importers and distributors who bring thermal paper rolls into Canada, especially from the People’s Republic of China.
• Businesses that buy and use thermal paper (retailers, restaurants, service counters) may notice changes to price or supply if measures follow.
• If unclear: the notice says the tariff number includes non-subject goods, so some importers may be unsure whether their specific products are covered.

Why it matters#

• These investigations can lead to trade remedies (for example, anti‑dumping or countervailing duties) if injury is found — which could raise the cost of imported thermal paper in Canada.
• Higher costs or new import controls could affect small businesses that use receipt paper and the supply chain for those products.
• The process is on a fast timeline: a CITT decision within 60 days, and a submission deadline of October 20, 2025, so interested parties need to act quickly if they want to provide information.