Imported Seafood from Chinese Vessel Restricted Under New Forced Labor Order

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a withhold release order that, effective May 28, requires the detention at all U.S. ports of entry of seafood (including squid) harvested by the China-flagged fishing vessel Zhen Fa 7. This WRO is based on a reasonable suspicion that this vessel uses forced labor to harvest seafood.

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

CBP states that this action brings to 52 the number of WROs the agency is enforcing, along with 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.