Homeland Security Seeks Input on Avoiding Purchase of Goods Produced by ‘Slave Labor’

The Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requesting input from the public “on how best to ensure that goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor in the Republic of China are not imported into the United States,” according to an announcement in the Federal Register.  

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which was signed into law on December 23, is intended to prevent goods made with forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China From entering the United States market. The UFLPA applies to forced labor from Tibetans, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Uyghurs, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.  

Seeking comments from the public is one of the requirements of the UFLPA. The Act also stipulates that when imported goods come to the U.S., the importer must provide evidence that the goods are not involved with forced labor operations.  

The DHS stated that its focus is to stop forced labor and sex trafficking by working with stakeholders, enforcement actions, and sharing information. They also offer support to victims and help them seek justice.  

All public comments must be submitted by March 10, by 11:59 p.m. After that, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force will conduct a public hearing and will create a strategy with the public’s comments in mind. This strategy will support the “enforcement of section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended,” the DHS explained. Then, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the DHS will provide guidance for importers.   

Customs and Border Protection Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “As part of our efforts to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority to eradicate forced labor from U.S. supply chains, we are taking an important first step today to implement the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act…. I look forward to hearing from our stakeholders as we continue to work closely to protect our vital trade ecosystem and end these horrific practices around the world.”  

For more information or to provide your comment, click here.