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News Release 22-112
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1337
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain hazelnuts and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Pratum Farm, LLC of Salem, OR on September 15, 2022 and supplemented on September 15, October 3, and October 4, 2022. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain hazelnuts and products containing the same by reason of false advertising. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as the respondents in this investigation:
Arslanturk Tarim Urunleri San Ihr Ve Ihr A.S. of Arakli-Trabzon, Turkey;
Balsu Gida San Ve Tic. A.S. of Beykoz Istanbul, Turkey;
Balsu USA of Miami, FL;
Farmeks Tarim Urunleri San Ve Tic. A.S. of Gaziemir/Izmir, Turkey;
Nimeks Organik Tarim Urun San Ve Tic Ltd., STI of Cigli/Izmir, Turkey;
Natural Food Source Inc. of Whitehall, PA;
Progida Tarim Urunleri San Ve Tic. A.S. of Maslak/Sariyer/Istanbul, Turkey; and
Ofi d/b/a Olam Edible Nuts of Fresno, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1337), 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.