Feds Weigh Banning Cheap Ink Cartridges: Printer Wars Escalate?
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is asking the public for their thoughts on a possible ban and stop orders for certain ink cartridges and parts if a violation is confirmed. This affects companies like Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP, and could change what ink cartridges are allowed in the U.S. If you have opinions, now’s the time to speak up before any final decisions and possible costs kick in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Possible U.S. Ban on Ink Cartridges
On March 24, 2026 the ALJ issued a Recommended Determination that includes a proposed general exclusion order which would bar certain ink cartridges and components from being imported, sold for importation, or sold after importation into the United States if the Commission finds a Section 337 violation.
Cease-and-Desist Orders Against Two Firms
The Commission is considering recommended cease and desist orders directed to respondents Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP if a violation is found; those orders would stop those companies from certain sales of the specified ink cartridges in the United States.
Public Comment Opportunity and Rules
Members of the public and government agencies may file submissions of no more than five pages about the public interest by close of business on April 30, 2026. Submissions must be filed electronically, reference Inv. No. 337-TA-1452, may request confidential treatment (with a redacted non-confidential version filed), and non-confidential comments will be posted on the Commission's EDIS docket.
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Key Dates
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