Pain Patch Drama: ITC Probes Numbing Import Violations
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission got a complaint about certain over-the-counter lidocaine patches, claiming some companies might be breaking import and sales rules. They want the public to share their thoughts on how this could affect everyone, especially consumers and businesses involved. This could lead to changes in what products are allowed in the U.S., so keep an eye out for updates and possible restrictions soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible exclusion of lidocaine patches
A complaint (Docket No. 3894) filed March 10, 2026 asks the U.S. International Trade Commission to issue a limited exclusion order, cease-and-desist orders, and impose a bond during the 60-day Presidential review period (under 19 U.S.C. 1337(j)). If the Commission grants the requested relief, certain over-the-counter topical lidocaine patches could be barred from importation into and sale within the United States.
Request for U.S. replacement capacity information
The Commission is asking for information on whether like or directly competitive lidocaine patch articles are made in the United States and whether complainant, licensees, or third-party suppliers could replace the volume of potentially excluded articles within a commercially reasonable time. The notice (published March 13, 2026) explicitly asks commenters to identify U.S. producers and indicate replacement capacity if an exclusion order were issued.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17011, Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has received a complaint entitled Certain Electronic Devices with Certain Audio Technologies, DN 3931; the Commission is soliciting comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or complainant's filing pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
2026-17046, Certain Wireless Communications Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2026, the presiding administrative law judge ("ALJ") issued an Initial Determination on Violation of Section 337. The ALJ also issued a Recommended Determination on remedy and bonding should a violation be found in the above-captioned investigation. The Commission is soliciting submissions on public interest issues raised by the recommended relief should the Commission find a violation. This notice is soliciting comments from the public and interested government agencies only.
2026-16848, Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway; Determinations
2026-16905, Certain Transformers and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
A company called Ayr Energy says some transformers and their parts imported into the U.S. are using stolen secrets and fake branding, which could hurt American businesses. The U.S. International Trade Commission is now investigating and might stop these products from being sold here. This could lead to new rules and orders soon, affecting companies selling these transformers and possibly changing what’s on store shelves.
2026-16816, Hand Trucks and Certain Parts Thereof From China; Determination
2026-16811, Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof II; Notice of a Commission Determination Finding a Violation Under Section 337; Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to find a violation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and to issue a general exclusion order ("GEO") prohibiting the importation of products that infringe claims 1 and 7 of each of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,764,172 ("the '172 patent"); 9,370,934 ("the '934 patent"); 11,535,038 ("the '038 patent"); 12,240,248 ("the '248 patent"); and 12,240,249 ("the '249 patent"); and cease and desist orders ("CDOs") against respondents Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP. The investigation is terminated.
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