Paper Shopping Bags — Colombia — A-301-805

A measure labeled “Paper Shopping Bags” and marked AD/CVD concerns imported goods that may be subject to antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD). AD duties address goods sold in the United States at unfairly low prices, while CVD address benefits—known as subsidies—provided by a foreign government. These duties are separate from ordinary customs duty and may apply in addition to it.

The measure typically affects importers of covered paper shopping bags, depending on the product’s physical characteristics, materials, construction, and country of origin. The key term is the measure’s “scope,” which describes exactly which products and origins are covered. Classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) helps identify the tariff provision, but an HTSUS number alone does not determine whether the product is within the AD/CVD scope. Importers may be responsible for declaring the measure, paying required deposits, and later amounts determined during administrative review or liquidation.

What to check

• Read the official scope language and compare it with the bag’s construction, materials, dimensions, features, and intended use.
• Confirm the product’s country of origin and manufacturing or processing history; AD/CVD coverage can depend on origin, not only the shipping country.
• Check the applicable HTSUS provisions, but do not treat an HTSUS match as conclusive; scope language controls the product coverage.
• Ask a customs broker or trade counsel to review uncertain products, especially mixed-material bags, sets, or products with unusual features.
• Keep product specifications, supplier statements, production records, and origin documentation to support classification and scope decisions.