Thermal Paper: New AD Duty Investigations Deadlines and Scope

The Commerce Department Nov. 2 released a notice on its recently initiated antidumping duty investigations on thermal paper from Germany (A-428-850), Japan (A-588-880), South Korea (A-580-911) and Spain (A-469-824).

The International Trade Commission will conduct concurrent investigations to determine whether imports of dumped and illegally subsidized thermal paper are injuring U.S. industry. If the ITC finds no injury in its preliminary injury determination, due Nov. 23, the investigations will immediately end. If Commerce finds dumping in the preliminary determinations of these investigations, currently due in March, it will set AD duty cash deposit requirements for imports of merchandise subject to the investigation. If both Commerce and the ITC reach affirmative final determinations, Commerce will issue AD duty orders making duties permanent and beginning a process of annual administrative reviews to set final assessments of AD duties on importers and potentially change AD duty cash deposit rates.

Respondent Selection

Commerce said it will pick respondents for its AD duty investigations on Germany, Japan and South Korea based on CBP import data. For Spain, Commerce will investigate the only known exporter, Torraspapel, S.A., the agency said.

Scope of the AD/CVD Investigations

The scope of these investigations covers thermal paper in the form of “jumbo rolls” and certain “converted rolls.” The scope covers jumbo rolls and converted rolls of thermal paper with or without a base coat (typically made of clay, latex, and/or plastic pigments, and/or like materials) on one or both sides; with thermal active coating(s) (typically made of sensitizer, dye, and coreactant, and/or like materials) on one or both sides; with or without a top coat (typically made of pigments, polyvinyl alcohol, and/or like materials), and without an adhesive backing.  Jumbo rolls are defined as rolls with an actual width of 4.5 inches or more, an actual weight of 65 pounds or more, and an actual diameter of 20 inches or more (jumbo rolls).  All jumbo rolls are included in the scope regardless of the basis weight of the paper.  Also included in the scope are “converted rolls” with an actual width of less than 4.5 inches, and with an actual basis weight of 70 grams per square meter (gsm) or less. 

The scope of these investigations covers thermal paper that is converted into rolls with an actual width of less than 4.5 inches and with an actual basis weight of 70 gsm or less in third countries from jumbo rolls produced in the subject countries. 

The merchandise subject to these investigations may be classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings 4811.90.8030 and 4811.90.9030. Although HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.  

Participants in the AD/CV duty investigations may submit comments on product coverage under the scope of the investigations. Comments on the scope are due by 5 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

Investigations Timetable

These deadlines may be postponed. The Commerce Department fact sheet on the initiation of these investigations is (here).