Imported Sea Salt Products from Korean Company Restricted Under New Forced Labor Order

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a withhold release order that, effective April 3, requires the detention at all U.S. ports of entry of sea salt products sourced from Taepyung Salt Farm in South Korea. This WRO is based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor in the production of these products.

According to CBP, importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export those shipments or seek to demonstrate that the merchandise is admissible.

CBP states that it is now enforcing 52 WROs and nine findings under 19 USC 1307, which prohibits imports of goods made wholly or in part with forced labor, including convict labor.

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive suite of services to help companies address forced labor concerns around the world, including supply chain reviews, due diligence strategies, and proactive remediation. ST&R also maintains a frequently updated web page offering a broad range of information on forced labor-related efforts in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, please contact ST&R at supplychainvisibility@strtrade.com.