Commodity Matchbooks — India — C-533-849

An AD/CVD measure covering commodity matchbooks is a U.S. trade remedy that may apply to certain matchbooks imported from specified countries. “AD” means antidumping duty, used when merchandise is sold in the United States at less than its normal value. “CVD” means countervailing duty, used when the merchandise benefits from foreign government subsidies. These duties are separate from ordinary customs duty and may apply in addition to it.

The measure typically affects importers, foreign producers, exporters, and sometimes related parties involved with the covered merchandise. Whether a shipment is covered depends primarily on the legal product description, country of origin, and the producer or exporter—not just the product name or HTS classification. An importer may be responsible for depositing the applicable duties at entry and later face additional liability if the final assessment differs. Review of the official scope and, when uncertain, guidance from a customs broker or trade counsel is important.

What to check

• Read the official scope language and compare the product’s physical characteristics, materials, packaging, and intended use; do not rely on the commercial name alone.
• Confirm the country of origin and identify the actual manufacturer and exporter, including any trading companies or related parties.
• Check the applicable AD/CVD case information, entry instructions, and current customs requirements using official government sources.
• Ask your customs broker to verify the HTS classification and whether the classification is only a reporting aid; HTS codes do not by themselves determine scope.
• Keep invoices, production information, origin records, and product specifications that support your scope and duty-deposit analysis.