Duties on molded fibre tableware from China

Summary#

• On February 27, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made preliminary findings that some thermoformed molded fibre tableware imported from China is being dumped and subsidized under the Special Import Measures Act.
• As a result, provisional duties can be charged on those goods while a full injury inquiry is carried out by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.

What it does#

• Confirms a preliminary finding of dumping and subsidizing for certain thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China (decision made February 27, 2026).
• Starts provisional duties on shipments of the listed goods that are released by the CBSA from February 27, 2026 until one of these happens:
  • the investigations are ended;
  • the Canadian International Trade Tribunal makes an order or finding (see timeline below); or
  • an undertaking is accepted.
• Limits provisional duties so they are not higher than the estimated margin of dumping plus the estimated subsidy amount.
• Applies the Customs Act rules for how duties are accounted for and paid; late payment can trigger interest under that Act.
• The full product definition and possible tariff numbers are on the CBSA’s Dumping and subsidy investigations web page. A written Statement of Reasons will follow within 15 days of the decision.

Who's affected#

• Importers and customs brokers who bring thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China into Canada.
• Canadian distributors and retailers who rely on those imports.
• Domestic manufacturers of similar tableware, who are parties to the injury inquiry.
• Consumers could be indirectly affected if duties raise prices or change product availability.
• It is unclear from the notice exactly which product codes and part descriptions are covered; importers should check the CBSA web page for details.

Why it matters#

• Provisional duties can raise the cost of imported tableware immediately while the trade dispute is resolved. That can affect prices and supply for businesses and shoppers.
• A final Tribunal decision (the injury inquiry) will determine whether these duties stay, are changed, or are removed. The Tribunal must issue an order or finding no later than 120 days after it receives notice of the preliminary determinations.
• Importers who fail to pay duties on time may face interest charges under the Customs Act, so businesses should review their shipments and talk to customs brokers or legal advisers.