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News Release 19-049
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1161
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain food processing equipment and packaging materials thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a second amended complaint filed by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc., of McLean, VA, on June 3, 2019. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain food processing equipment and packaging materials thereof by reason of false advertising and unfair competition under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Wenzhou QiMing Stainless Co., Ltd. of Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
High MPa Valve Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
Wenzhou Sinco Steel Co., Ltd., of Wenzhou, China;
Wenzhou Kasin Valve Pipe Fitting Co., Ltd., of Wenzhou, China; and
Wenzhou Fuchuang Machinery Co., Ltd., Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1161), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.