U.S. Government Keeps Tariffs on Lightweight Thermal Paper from China
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Published: 2026-01-23
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the continuation of the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on lightweight thermal paper from the People’s Republic of China.
The action follows findings by both the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). They determined that ending the orders would likely lead to renewed dumping, unfair subsidies, and harm to American industry.
The AD and CVD orders were first published on November 24, 2008. This current update is the result of the third five-year “sunset” review under section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930.
On June 2, 2025, both the Department of Commerce and the ITC began the third sunset review of the orders. The purpose of the review was to see if ending the orders would affect U.S. industries.
Commerce concluded that revoking the orders would likely lead to more dumping and subsidies. Commerce shared the data with the ITC.
On January 8, 2026, the ITC made its final determination. It agreed that removing the tariffs would likely cause continued harm to a U.S. industry.
Effective January 8, 2026, the AD and CVD orders remain in place. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue collecting cash deposits on imports of affected paper.
Lightweight thermal paper is often used in ATM receipts, gas pump receipts, and retail store receipts.
The product under review includes thermal paper with a basis weight of 70 grams per square meter or less, even with a 4.0 g/m² tolerance. It may have base coats, top coats, or thermal coatings on one or both sides. It may come in any shape or size, with or without adhesive backing.
The thermal paper is classified under several Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) codes, including:
3703.10.60
4811.59.20
4811.90.8040
4811.90.9090
4820.10.20
4823.40.00
4811.90.8030
4811.90.8050
4811.90.9030
4811.90.9050
Even though HTSUS codes are listed, the full written description of the order defines the scope.
Jumbo rolls as well as converted rolls are both covered. Rolls of all sizes, or thermal paper in any form, are affected by the order.
The Department of Commerce states that the next five-year review will be started no later than 30 days before the fifth anniversary of the ITC’s latest ruling.
This Federal Register notice is published in accordance with sections 751(c), 751(d)(2), and 777(i) of the Tariff Act, and 19 CFR 351.218(f)(4).
The notice serves as a reminder about Administrative Protective Orders. All parties must return or destroy proprietary information, or convert it to a judicial protective order, under 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3).
For more information, contact Matthew Eiss at the U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-5675.
Signed,
Christopher Abbott
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations
Performing duties of Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance
Federal Register Document Number: 2026-01283
Filed: January 22, 2026
Billing Code: 3510-DS-P
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