The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair and packaging therefor. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of JBS Hair, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., on July 3, 2025. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair and packaging therefor that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. 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 respondents in this investigation:
•    Amekor Industries, Inc. (d/b/a Vivica A. Fox® Hair Collection), Conshohocken, Pa.
•    Beauty Elements Corporation (d/b/a Bijouz®), Miami Gardens, Fla.
•    Beauty Essence, Inc. (d/b/a Supreme™ Hair US), Moonachie, N.J.
•    Beauty Plus Trading Co., Inc. (d/b/a Janet Collection™), Moonachie, N.J.
•    Chade Fashions, Inc., Niles, Ill.
•    Eve Hair, Inc., Lakewood, Calif.
•    GS Imports, Inc. (d/b/a Golden State Imports, Inc.), Paramount, Calif.
•    Hair Plus Trading Co., Inc. (d/b/a Femi Collection), Suwanee, Ga.
•    Hair Zone, Inc. (d/b/a Sensationnel®), Moonachie, N.J.
•    Mane Concept Inc., Moonachie, N.J.
•    Mayde Beauty Inc., Port Washington, N.Y.
•    Midway International, Inc. (d/b/a BOBBI BOSS), Cerritos, Calif.
•    Model Model Hair Fashion, Inc., Port Washington, N.Y.
•    New Jigu Trading Corp. (d/b/a Harlem 125®), Port Washington, N.Y.
•    Optimum Solution Group LLC (d/b/a Oh Yes Hair), Duluth, Ga.
•    Royal Imex, Inc. (d/b/a Zury® Hollywood), Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
•    SLI Production Corp. (d/b/a It’s a Wig!), Moonachie, N.J.
•    Shake N Go Fashion, Inc., Port Washington, N.Y.
•    Sun Taiyang Co., Ltd. (d/b/a Outre®), Moonachie, N.J.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1457), 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.