Investigation: Molded Fibre Tableware from China

Summary#

On October 15, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) started an investigation under the Special Import Measures Act into whether thermoformed molded fibre tableware from the People’s Republic of China has been dumped or unfairly subsidized. The probe looks at whether those imports have hurt Canadian producers; more detail and the Statement of Reasons will be posted soon.

What it does#

• The Canada Border Services Agency opened formal dumping and countervailing (subsidy) investigations into thermoformed molded fibre tableware originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China.
• The CBSA says the full product definition and the affected tariff classification numbers are available on its Dumping and subsidy investigations web page.
• The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons explaining the decision within 15 days after the decision (per the notice).

Who's affected#

• Importers and distributors of thermoformed molded fibre plates, platters and bowls from the People’s Republic of China.
• Canadian businesses that sell or use these fibre tableware items (retailers, food-service companies).
• Canadian manufacturers of similar fibre tableware, who are the likely domestic industry at issue.
• If you are unsure whether a specific product is covered, the CBSA’s web page has the full product and tariff details.

Why it matters#

• If the CBSA later finds dumping or unfair subsidizing and that Canadian industry is injured, it can impose duties on those imports. That could raise costs for importers and push up prices for businesses and consumers.
• The investigation can also affect supply decisions by retailers and restaurants that use disposable fibre tableware.
• Right now this is the start of an investigation, not a finding or a new tax. The outcome will depend on the evidence the CBSA collects.