Duties on Molded Fibre Tableware

Summary#

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced preliminary findings that some thermoformed molded fibre tableware imported from China has been dumped and subsidized under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). As of February 27, 2026, provisional duties may be collected on those goods while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) holds a full inquiry that must finish within 120 days.

What it does#

• The CBSA made preliminary determinations of dumping and subsidizing for thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China.
• Provisional duties can be charged on subject goods released from CBSA custody starting February 27, 2026 and continuing until the investigations end, the CITT issues its order or finding, or an undertaking is accepted.
• The provisional duty amount cannot exceed the estimated dumping margin plus the estimated subsidy.
• The Customs Act governs how these provisional duties must be accounted for and paid; late payment may trigger interest under that Act.
• The CITT will hold a full injury inquiry and must make an order or a finding no later than 120 days after it receives notice of the CBSA’s preliminary determinations.
• The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons within 15 days of the decisions.
• The CBSA’s website lists the detailed product definition and possible tariff classification numbers for the goods.

Who's affected#

• Importers and customs brokers who bring thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China into Canada.
• Distributors and retailers that rely on those imported products — they may face extra costs or delays.
• The CBSA and the CITT, which will continue the investigation and review.
• It is unclear from the notice whether particular brands, suppliers, or tariff lines are excluded; the CBSA web page has the detailed product and tariff info.

Why it matters#

• Importers may have to pay provisional duties when goods are released. That can increase immediate costs and cash-flow needs.
• If provisional duties become final after the CITT inquiry, import costs could stay higher, affecting prices or availability for Canadian businesses and consumers.
• There is short-term uncertainty until the CITT completes its review (within 120 days), so buyers and sellers may change sourcing or pricing while the case proceeds.