Forced Labor + WROs

Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)

We know what you’re thinking…not another football league spinoff. Fear not because the UFLPA takes on a much more heroic role in our society. Forced labor generates an estimated $150 billion (USD) in profits annually and affects over 27 million laborers (about the population of Texas). The hero wrapped in a red cape here to save millions of laborers is none other than the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

The UFLPA is intended to address and counter forced labor and human rights violations in the Xinjiang Uygur Region of China, where there have been reports of mass arbitrary detention, forced labor, and other human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups.

The act proposes several measures to combat forced labor and ensure that goods produced using forced labor in the XUAR are not allowed into the United States. Some of the key provisions may include:

1. Import Restrictions: The act may require the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enforce restrictions on imports of goods that are produced in whole or in part using forced labor in the XUAR. This is aimed at preventing such goods from entering the U.S. market.
2. Public Disclosures: Companies that do business in or with the XUAR may be required to disclose information about their supply chains to ensure transparency and identify any potential involvement in forced labor practices.
3. Export Controls: The act may enable the U.S. government to impose export controls on technologies and goods that could be used in surveillance and repression in the XUAR.
4. Sanctions: The UFLPA may empower the U.S. government to impose sanctions on individuals, entities, and officials involved in human rights abuses and forced labor practices in the XUAR.

It’s important to note that the specifics of the UFLPA may vary depending on the version and amendments of the legislation. You can also view our UFLPA resources.

UFLPA Enforcement Stats

The act has received increasing attention in previous years with the number of entries targeted—since 2020 alone, the entries have catapulted by a whopping 500%. But, it’s not without good reason, as championing these fair labor practices aligns with a future in which every worker is treated with dignity and respect. 

UFLPA Updates

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Download Forced Labor PDF

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Withold Release Orders (WROs)

Forced Labor Violations have really come to light in the last several years. A Withhold Release Order is issued by the respective commissioner to prevent goods being made with forced labor from entering the U.S. Commerce. To learn more about Forced Labor, check out our blog.

WROs instruct Customs Officers to prevent imports from entering the U.S. due to “reasonable but not conclusive” evidence that forced labor was used in the overseas production of goods. Think Civil vs. Criminal cases when it comes to court – they have completely different standards of guilt. This is very important for manufacturers to be aware of as even the materials used in production could cause an issue.

For example, if you purchase leather made as a result of forced labor and use it for the production of purses, you could be on the hook due to the origin of said leather!