The Role of Isotopic Testing in Preventing Goods Made with Forced Labor
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is intensifying its efforts to combat the importation of goods produced with forced labor by leveraging isotopic testing. This initiative is backed by regulations such as 19 USC 1307, which prohibits the entry of goods made wholly or in part through coercive labor practices. Notably, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act has established a rebuttable presumption regarding goods originating from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, intensifying the scrutiny placed on imports to ensure compliance with anti-forced labor regulations.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security has unveiled an enhanced strategy, including the expanded use of isotopic testing to trace the geographical origin of raw materials used in textile and apparel products. The CBP is collaborating with the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) to develop an isotopic testing guide to be employed in three new laboratories in Savannah, Los Angeles, and New York. Moreover, CBP has taken additional measures to bolster its enforcement activities, encompassing website updates, engagement with stakeholders on emerging technologies, and the imminent deployment of a public website portal for submitting forced labor-related matters.
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive program to support companies in addressing forced labor issues, as well as a rich resource hub for information on U.S. and global anti-forced labor efforts. This emphasizes the criticality of understanding and adhering to regulations on forced labor, and underscores the pivotal role that businesses play in ensuring ethical and compliant trade practices.
This proactive stance by CBP and the collaborative efforts with industry partners exemplify the dedication to shaping a trading environment that upholds ethical labor practices and underscores the significance of trade regulation and oversight as a means to create a fair and just marketplace for all.
Source: https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/october/cbp-advancing-work-on-isotopic-testing-for-forced-labor-enforcement
Forced Labor with emphasis on Supply Chain Tracing
Participants will also explore the role of technology and tools in supply chain tracing, including a review of global regulations and a detailed case study on WRO/UFLPA. Throughout the course, interactive activities, discussions, and reflection will empower participants to apply their learning to real-world scenarios and professional contexts, fostering a comprehensive understanding of forced labor supply chain tracing.
