EAPA Cons. Case 8093: Various Importers (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, January 28, 2025)

Notice of Initiation of an Investigation and Interim Measures for EAPA Cons. Case 8093 – Thermal Paper

WASHINGTON—On January 28, 2025, CBP issued the notice of initiation of investigation and implemented interim measures for EAPA Cons. Case 8093 filed by the Paper Receipts Converting Association, against U.S. importers Strong Medical and Vesta Global Trading (collectively, the Importers) for evasion of the antidumping and countervailing (AD/CVD) duty orders on lightweight thermal paper from the People’s Republic of China (A-570-920 and C-570-921). Specifically, the allegations suggested that the Importers imported light weight thermal paper from the People’s Republic of China into the United States via transshipment through Malaysia and failed to declare the correct country of origin at the time of entry. Because evidence establishes a reasonable suspicion that the Importers entered merchandise into the United States through evasion, CBP has taken the following interim measures:

• Require “live” entry for all imports of mattresses, meaning the Importers must submit proper import documentation and duties prior to the release of their merchandise;
• Suspend or extend entries of the Importers without final computation or determination of duties (liquidation), as appropriate; and
• Review the Importers’ continuous bonds and application of single transaction bonds for their entries, as appropriate.

These actions do not preclude CBP from taking additional enforcement measures as it determines appropriate under its EAPA or other legal authorities, which include pursuing civil penalties or investigations into criminal violations.

For additional information on CBP and EAPA, please visit the EAPA Homepage. If you suspect an importer of duty evasion, CBP encourages you to submit an allegation through our online portal.

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