The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is to investigate imports of high-potency sweeteners by three Chinese companies after Celanese filed a complaint on Oct 26. The Dallas, Texas-headquartered chemical company alleges that the companies have infringed its patent and violated US law by importing certain sweeteners, specifically acesfulfame potassium, or Ace-K, into the country. The identified respondents are Suzhou Hope Technology, Anhui Jinhe Industrial and VitaSweet. 

Celanese’s complaint centers on alleged violations of section 337 of the 1930 US Tariff Act. The company has asked the ITC to issue a general or limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. The case will be assigned to an administrative law judge who will first determine – after holding an evidentiary hearing - whether or not there has been any violation of section 337. The initial determination is subject to review by the ITC. The Commission will set a target date for completing the case within 45 days from the start of the investigation.

Celanese said it intends to protect its ongoing investments in manufacturing and quality improvements and will “vigorously defend” its patented technology against unlawful importation and uses in the US.