Provisional tariffs on Chinese thermal paper: what importers will pay in 2026

Key data

European importers of light thermal paper from China face an immediate additional cost in their operations. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1914, published on August 6, 2026 and effective from the previous day, establishes provisional countervailing duties on this product in response to Chinese state subsidies that distort competition in the European market.

Light thermal paper is the material used daily in cash register receipts, payment terminal receipts, logistics labels, and delivery notes. Its massive importation from China at artificially low prices, thanks to state aid, has prompted this intervention by the European Commission.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/1914 is a provisional anti-subsidy measure. This means that the European Commission has concluded, in a preliminary phase of its investigation, that Chinese producers of light thermal paper receive state subsidies that allow them to sell in Europe below the real market price, harming European manufacturers.

The key elements of the measure are:

• Affected product: light thermal paper originating from the People's Republic of China, widely used in cash register receipts, labels, and invoices.
• Type of duty: provisional countervailing, designed to neutralize the effect of Chinese subsidies.
• Application: immediate from August 5, 2026, at the time of import.
• Provisional nature: the measure precedes a definitive investigation by the European Commission, which may confirm, modify, or remove the duties.
• Submissions: affected companies may submit comments during the procedure before definitive measures are adopted.

The legal basis is the EU anti-subsidy mechanism, which allows countervailing duties to be imposed when it is demonstrated that imports benefit from state aid in the country of origin and cause harm to European industry.

Economic and operational impact

The impact occurs in two opposite directions depending on the company profile:

From an operational perspective, importers must anticipate that each import operation from China of this product will entail payment of countervailing duties at the time of customs clearance. This affects cash flow and purchase planning.

Since the measure is provisional, there is uncertainty about the final amount: the duties could increase, remain the same, or decrease when the investigation concludes. Companies should consider this scenario in their financial planning.

Who does it affect?

• Direct importers of light thermal paper originating from China with operations in the EU.
• Distributors and wholesalers of office supplies, POS consumables, or packaging materials that supply retail and business customers.
• Logistics and transport companies that use thermal labels in their operations.
• Retail chains and hospitality businesses that consume large volumes of paper for receipts and invoices.
• European thermal paper manufacturers, who will benefit from reduced unfair competition.
• Foreign trade advisors and customs brokers who manage import operations for this product.

Practical example

A Spanish distribution company that regularly imports light thermal paper from China to supply supermarket chains and restaurant franchises is affected as follows:

Until August 4, 2026, its customs clearances of Chinese thermal paper are subject only to ordinary EU tariffs. From August 5, 2026, each shipment arriving at the European border will additionally incur the provisional countervailing duties established by Regulation 2026/1914.

If this company has orders in transit or supply contracts signed with fixed prices, the tariff surcharge was not anticipated and directly reduces its margin. The immediate action is to review existing contracts and assess whether it can pass the cost on to its customers or whether it needs to renegotiate with its Chinese supplier.

Additionally, if it believes the measure harms it disproportionately, it can submit comments to the European Commission during the investigation period, before definitive duties are adopted.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if the product you import is affected: check if your thermal paper is "light thermal paper" originating from China according to the description in Regulation 2026/1914. Consult with your customs broker or foreign trade advisor.
2. Review orders in transit and existing contracts: identify ongoing import operations or supply contracts with fixed prices that did not account for this tariff surcharge.
3. Update cost planning: incorporate provisional countervailing duties in the calculation of import costs for new orders and customer quotes.
4. Evaluate alternative sourcing: analyze whether there are suppliers in other countries not subject to this measure or European manufacturers with whom you can negotiate competitive terms.
5. Submit comments if appropriate: if you believe the measure affects you disproportionately or have relevant information for the investigation, you can submit comments to the European Commission before definitive duties are adopted.
6. Monitor the definitive investigation: the measure is provisional. Follow the progress of the procedure to anticipate whether the duties are confirmed, increased, or removed.

Official source

View complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601914