Investigations into Chinese thermal paper rolls

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) started investigations on June 12, 2025 into whether thermal paper rolls from the People’s Republic of China were dumped or unfairly subsidized under the Special Import Measures Act. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a preliminary inquiry and must decide within 60 days whether there’s a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry.

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 a main tariff classification for the goods as 4811.90.00.90, while noting that this code also covers non-subject goods and that subject goods may appear under other codes.
• Asks the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to do a preliminary inquiry on injury and report back within 60 days.
• Says a Statement of Reasons will be published within 15 days after the CITT decision.
• Invites written submissions from interested parties. The CBSA must receive these by October 20, 2025 (send electronically to simaregistry@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca). Submissions will be public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential submissions must include a non‑confidential edited version.

Who's affected#

• Importers and distributors of thermal paper rolls that come from the People’s Republic of China.
• Canadian producers of thermal paper who allege injury.
• Businesses that buy thermal paper rolls (for example, retailers, restaurants or service providers) could feel effects if duties or restrictions are applied.
• Customs brokers, trade lawyers and other parties that handle trade compliance and filings.
• It’s unclear exactly which companies or shipments will be covered because the tariff code 4811.90.00.90 can include non-subject goods and some subject goods may be classed under other codes.

Why it matters#

• If the investigations later find dumping or subsidizing plus injury, importers could face extra duties. That can raise costs for wholesalers and businesses that use receipt or label paper, and might trickle down to consumers.
• The CITT’s preliminary inquiry is quick (decision in 60 days), so the process can move fast. If the CITT finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigations will stop.
• The notice gives companies and interested parties a chance to submit evidence by October 20, 2025, which can influence whether duties or other measures are recommended.