U.S. Starts Investigation on Paper Plates Imported from Cambodia and Malaysia
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On August 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced new investigations about certain paper plates being imported into the United States. The investigations focus on paper plates made in Cambodia and Malaysia. These plates use paperboard that was made in China.
Background of the Investigation
This decision comes after a request from the Anticircumvention Working Group of the American Paper Plate Coalition. This group wants the U.S. government to check if companies are trying to avoid anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) taxes on Chinese paper plates by finishing the products in other countries.
The official Orders that put duties on paper plates from China have been in effect since March 20, 2025.
What Is Being Investigated?
The main concern is that companies may be sending Chinese paperboard to Cambodia and Malaysia, making paper plates there, and then shipping them to the U.S. By doing this, they might be trying to avoid the extra duties on products from China.
Commerce will check if the process of turning the paperboard into plates in Cambodia or Malaysia is minor or small. If yes, the plates might still be treated as if they come from China for tax purposes.
Steps in the Investigation
Commerce looked at the request and extra questions sent by the companies. After reviewing all the information, Commerce has decided that there is enough evidence to start a full investigation.
The investigation will focus on how the paper plates are made in Cambodia and Malaysia. They will study if the work done there is small compared to the value of the paperboard from China. Commerce will also look at trade patterns and any connections between companies in China and those in Cambodia and Malaysia.
How the Companies Will Be Chosen
Commerce will use data from U.S. Customs to choose which companies to investigate further. This data will show which companies send paper plates from Cambodia and Malaysia to the U.S.
Interested companies will have a chance to respond and provide information to Commerce.
What Happens to the Imports Now?
While the investigation is happening, U.S. Customs will keep stopping imports that are already being held under the Orders. If Commerce decides that circumvention is happening, Customs may continue to block certain imports and require extra taxes on them.
Timeframe for the Decision
Commerce plans to make a first decision within 150 days from August 22, 2025. The final decision should come within 300 days, unless there are delays or the investigation is stopped early.
Who Can Be Involved?
Any interested parties can submit information or comments. All steps and information are managed by the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Contact Information
If anyone needs more information, they can reach Justin Enck, Shawn Gregor (for Cambodia), or Walter Schaub (for Malaysia) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Enforcement and Compliance Section.
This information is published to help all interested parties follow the progress of the investigation and understand the rules for paper plate imports into the United States.
Legal Disclaimer
This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.
