U.S. Department of Commerce Keeps Countervailing Duty on Matchbooks from India

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The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced its decision to continue imposing countervailing duties on commodity matchbooks imported from India. This decision was made after completing the third sunset review of the countervailing duty order, which took place on April 10, 2026.

The countervailing duty order means that matchbooks from India will still have extra charges. These charges are designed to prevent unfair advantages due to subsidies. Subsidies are financial help from the government, and they can make Indian matchbooks cheaper than those made in the U.S.

The original order was established back on December 11, 2009. The review process started on October 3, 2025. Without this order, there might be a risk of more unfair subsidies. The Commerce Department analyzed the situation and concluded that these subsidies would likely continue if the duty order was removed.

During the review, the domestic industry showed interest by participating in the process. They requested more time to submit their intention. The Commerce gave approval for this extension, and they filed their intent to participate in January 2026.

The Indian government nor any other interested parties did not respond to the review. This lack of response allowed the Commerce Department to expedite the review, finishing it in 120 days. The Commerce Department informed the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) about not receiving sufficient responses from India.

The duties aim for a fair level playing field between U.S. producers and Indian competitors. The net countervailable subsidy rate is set at 9.88 percent for the matchbooks from India.

This notice also reminds people handling sensitive information to return or destroy it in line with regulations. Violating these rules can result in consequences.

This decision will be published in the Federal Register, ensuring transparency and public awareness. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, Scot Fullerton, signed the decision.

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