DHS Marks Aluminum, PVC, and Seafood as High Priority Sectors for Forced Labor Enforcement
Forced labor is an intolerable form of modern slavery that undermines global trade and threatens human rights. In a significant step towards combatting this issue, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced the addition of aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and seafood as new high priority sectors for enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). This move comes as part of DHS’s commitment to remove forced labor from U.S. supply chains and foster responsible business practices while upholding fair competition.
The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), chaired by DHS, unveiled an updated UFLPA Strategy aimed at preventing the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured with forced labor in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This strategy is the culmination of two years of resolute enforcement efforts by the current administration and DHS’s long-standing commitment to eliminating forced labor.
Previously identified high-priority sectors, including apparel, cotton products, silica-based products, and tomatoes, have now been joined by aluminum, PVC, and seafood. These industries have been flagged due to the heightened risk of forced labor or state labor transfer of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). By expanding the focus and prioritization, the FLETF aims to safeguard human rights, curtail human rights abuses, and eradicate economic incentives that support forced labor practices.
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He stated, “Forced labor is a form of modern slavery, and the Department of Homeland Security is committed to eradicating it from our supply chains.” Recognizing the evolving tactics used by those seeking to profit from exploitation, Mayorkas underscored the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders, civil society, and government partners to ensure strict enforcement of customs laws and promote economic fairness.
The updated UFLPA Strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to combating forced labor, building on the accomplishments of the FLETF. Strong enforcement measures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have been pivotal in denying entry to nearly 3,500 shipments valued at over $695 million. Furthermore, the expansion of the UFLPA Entity List, which restricts goods from entering the United States, now includes 68 companies based in the PRC.
Entities operating within the newly designated high priority sectors can anticipate increased scrutiny and a range of enforcement actions, including inclusion on the UFLPA Entity List, export limitations, economic sanctions, and visa restrictions. This strategic approach aims to incentivize responsible supply chain management and discourage participation in or facilitation of human rights abuses.
DHS’s commitment to eradicating forced labor aligns with President Biden’s memorandum on advancing worker empowerment, rights, and high labor standards globally. By directing all departments and agencies to prioritize labor rights in their international endeavors, the memorandum spearheads a concerted whole-of-government approach to protect workers’ rights and create a level playing field in global markets.
The United States remains resolute in its stand against forced labor and its dedication to fair labor standards, economic security, and human rights. The collaboration between the FLETF, trade communities, labor organizations, civil society, and international partners plays a pivotal role in upholding these values and ending the use of forced labor in supply chains worldwide.
The DHS’s focused approach to combating forced labor in the aluminum, PVC, and seafood industries is a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable populations, championing responsible business practices, and fostering a fair and equitable global marketplace. Through comprehensive and vigilant enforcement, the United States continues to lead the charge in ensuring that trade is not achieved at the expense of human dignity and rights.
See full article here: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/07/09/forced-labor-enforcement-task-force-adds-aluminum-pvc-and-seafood-new-high-priority
Supply Chain Tracing for Forced Labor Compliance
In this special comprehensive training + workshop on forced labor supply chain tracing, participants will explore the historical evolution of regulations related to forced labor in supply chains, gaining contextual background and an understanding of the moral and ethical implications of forced labor.
