CBP Issues Withhold Release on Select Chinese Goods for Forced Labor Violations

In a release issued yesterday, September 14, 2020, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced they had issued five withhold release orders (WRO) on products from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. These products are subject to the WROs because they are produced with state-sponsored forced labor. CBP’s release states that the Chinese government has “engaged in systemic human rights abuses against the Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities.”

The release further stated, “Today’s Withhold Release Orders send a clear message to the international community that we will not tolerate the illicit, inhumane, and exploitative practices of forced labor in U.S. supply chains.” During Fiscal Year 2020, CBP has issued 12 WROs, indicating a firmer stance on forced labor. All WROs are available on CBP’s Forced Labor Withhold Release Orders and Findings webpage.

CBP at all ports of entry will withhold release on the following goods:

• “All products made with labor from the Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China,
• Hair products made in the Lop County Hair Product Industrial Park in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China,
• Apparel produced by Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co., Ltd in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China,
• Cotton produced and processed by Xinjiang Junggar Cotton and Linen Co., Ltd. in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China,
• Computer parts made by Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co., Ltd. in Anhui, China.”

For additional information about these actions, please consult CBP’s release.