Investigations into thermal paper imports from China

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has started investigations under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into alleged dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls imported from the People’s Republic of China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a 60‑day preliminary inquiry starting from the initiation date of June 12, 2025.

What it does#

• Opens anti-dumping and countervailing investigations into thermal paper rolls said to originate in or be exported from the People’s Republic of China.
• Identifies the main tariff classification involved as 4811.90.00.90, while noting some non-subject goods are included and some subject goods may be classified elsewhere.
• Directs the CITT to decide whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry within 60 days of the start date.
• Says that if the CITT finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigations will stop.
• States a Statement of Reasons for the decision will be published within 15 days after the CITT decision and will be available on the CBSA website.
• Invites written submissions from interested persons. Submissions must be emailed to simaregistry@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and must be received by October 20, 2025 to be considered.
• Notes that information submitted will be public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential filings must also include a non-confidential edited version.
• Points readers to the CBSA website for the full product definition.

Who's affected#

• Canadian producers of thermal paper rolls who sell in Canada.
• Canadian importers, distributors and customs brokers who bring thermal paper rolls into Canada under or near tariff 4811.90.00.90.
• Exporters and suppliers of thermal paper rolls in the People’s Republic of China.
• Businesses that buy and use thermal paper (for receipts, labels, etc.) may notice downstream effects if trade measures are later imposed.
• Anyone who wants to make a written submission to the investigations (see the October 20, 2025 deadline).

If it is unclear whether a specific business or shipment is covered, the CBSA product definition on its website is the reference.

Why it matters#

• These investigations can lead to duties or other trade measures if dumping or subsidizing and injury to Canadian producers are found. That could raise costs for importers and for businesses that buy thermal paper.
• The process moves quickly: the CITT preliminary inquiry must finish within 60 days, so outcomes (or the end of the case) will be determined soon.
• The notice gives companies and other interested parties a short window to provide evidence or arguments before a preliminary decision is made.