US Cracks Down on Forced Labor: Bans Imports from 37 Chinese Firms
The additions include a major supplier of critical minerals and one of the largest textile manufacturers globally.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has banned imports from 37 companies linked to forced labor practices in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The 37 companies identified by DHS have been added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, representing the most significant expansion since the UFLPA’s implementation in 2021. According to DHS, this significant move underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to eradicating forced labor from global supply chains and safeguarding U.S. consumers and businesses from contaminated goods.
“In adding 37 companies to the UFLPA Entities List and bringing the total to nearly 150, we again demonstrate our relentless fight against the cruelty of forced labor, our unwavering commitment to basic human rights, and our tireless defence of a free, fair, and competitive market,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
“With each addition to the UFLPA Entity List, we are building momentum and showing that our efforts are sustainable and enduring in eradicating forced labor in our nation’s supply chains,” said Acting Under Secretary for Policy Robert Paschall. “This largest-ever batch of additions reinforces that we are implementing the full force of this law, making impactful updates to the UFLPA Entity List, and enhancing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement capabilities.”
The newly added entities include globally recognized companies integral to Xinjiang’s industrial and export sectors. These companies mine and process critical minerals essential to global industries, cultivate Xinjiang cotton used in textiles for international markets, and manufacture components for solar modules with polysilicon sourced from Xinjiang. Their inclusion underscores the widespread influence of these industries on global supply chains and the urgent need to address labor rights violations at their core.
The Forced Labor Employment Task Force (FLETF), led by DHS, has made significant progress in targeting companies benefiting from forced labor within three years of enforcing the UFLPA. The Act is instrumental in combating forced labor, promoting ethical sourcing, and protecting human rights, particularly for Uyghurs and other minority groups in Xinjiang. These efforts aim to ensure fairer global trade, safeguard and enhance U.S. businesses and consumers.
