Thermal Paper Rolls from China

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made preliminary findings on September 10, 2025 that certain thermal paper rolls from China are being dumped and subsidized under the Special Import Measures Act. As a result, provisional duties can be charged while a full inquiry by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) looks into whether Canadian industry has been injured.

What it does#

• Starts a formal trade inquiry by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal into thermal paper rolls from China.
• Allows provisional duties to be charged on subject goods released from the CBSA during the period beginning September 10, 2025 and ending on the earlier of:
  • the day the investigations are terminated,
  • the day the CITT makes an order or finding (the CITT must act within 120 days after it receives notice), or
  • the day an undertaking is accepted.
• Limits provisional duties so they are not higher than the estimated margin of dumping and the estimated amount of subsidy.
• Applies the Customs Act rules for accounting and payment; late payment may trigger interest under that Act.
• Promises a Statement of Reasons to be issued within 15 days after the decisions.
• Directs readers to the CBSA’s Dumping and subsidy investigations web page for the full product definition and possible tariff classification numbers.

Who's affected#

• Importers and shippers who bring thermal paper rolls from China into Canada.
• Businesses that buy and use those rolls in Canada (for example, retailers and other businesses that use receipt paper).
• Customs brokers and freight handlers who clear those shipments at the border.
• Canadian producers or manufacturers of thermal paper rolls, since the CITT will examine whether the alleged dumping and subsidizing have harmed domestic industry.
• If the notice is unclear about any group, it’s because the CBSA’s web page contains the technical product and tariff details.

Why it matters#

• Provisional duties may raise the cost of importing the specified thermal paper rolls. That can increase expenses for businesses that use them, and could lead to higher prices for end users.
• Shipments may face extra checks or holds at the border while duties and the inquiry are in effect.
• The CITT’s eventual finding could lead to longer-term duties or remedies if it finds injury to Canadian industry.
• This is a preliminary step — the determinations are not final. The tribunal process will decide whether the provisional measures become permanent.