Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will be issuing known importer letters to importers the agency has identified as having previously imported merchandise that may be subject to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). CBP aims to issue these letters in advance of June 21, 2022 – which is when the
Xinjiang
House passes bill barring imports of goods produced in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China
On December 8, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill called the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (with a 428-1 vote) that bans the importation of goods produced using forced labor by Uyghers and other minority Muslim populations in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. A similar measure has already passed in the…
U.S. Government Issues Business Advisory – Warns Companies About Risks of Doing Business in Hong Kong
On July 16, 2021, several U.S. government agencies issued a business advisory highlighting for U.S. companies the risks of doing business in Hong Kong. The advisory, which was issued by the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, State, and the Treasury, stated that companies operating in Hong Kong face potential regulatory, financial, legal, and reputational risks…
Government Releases Updated Version of Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory
On July 13, 2021, the U.S. government released an updated version of the Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory. The notice, which was originally released last summer, states that the PRC government is perpetrating genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, highlights the legal risks posed to companies and supply chains, updates the list of U.S.…
Commerce Adds 23 Companies to Entity List Citing Forced-Labor, Military Technology, and Sanctions Concerns
On July 9, 2021, The Department of Commerce (DOC) determined that 23 Chinese companies took actions contrary to the foreign policy interests of the United States and were added to the Entities List. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) noted that it “publishes the names of certain foreign persons – including businesses, research institutions,…
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Adds Five Chinese Entities to Entity List for Participating in China’s Forced Labor Campaign Against Muslims in Xinjiang
On June 24, 2021, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added five Chinese entities to the Entity List for partaking in the forced labor of Muslim minority groups from Xinjiang, an autonomous territory in northwest China. This action by the BIS – which specifically targets the five entities’ ability to access…
CBP Issues Withhold Release Order (WRO) on Certain Silica-Based Products from Xinjiang, PRC
On June 24, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd. – a silica manufacturing company located in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) – and its subsidiaries on the basis of forced labor in the entity’s manufacturing practices. The WRO instructs CBP personnel…
G7 Announces Joint Actions on Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains
On June 13, 2021, leaders from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy (the G7) — announced their joint actions to support and strengthen free and fair trade. The joint actions emphasized efforts to combat forced labor in global supply chains as well as other initiatives to review trade policies to further women’s…
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Reintroduced by Congress on February 18, 2021
On February 18, 2021, the House reintroduced the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (see press and bill) in the 117th Congress. Sponsored by Representatives James McGovern (D-MA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), the legislation updates H.R. 6210 from…
CBP Publishes FAQ Responses to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region WRO
In light of increased U.S. actions and rising global concerns over reports of forced labor in Xinjiang, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued the following Q&A responses:
General
- What is the scope of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Withhold Release Order (WRO)?
- Can imported goods within the scope of the WRO be
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