U.S. Customs and Border Protection has lifted import restrictions on disposable synthetic gloves produced in Malaysia by a group of companies including Smart Glove Corporation Sdn Bhd, GX Corporation Sdn Bhd, GX3 Specialty Plant, Sigma Glove Industries, and Platinum Glove Industries Sdn Bhd (referred to jointly as Smart Glove).
In November 2021 CBP issued a withhold release order against imports of these gloves based on evidence reasonably indicating that the production facilities of the Smart Glove companies utilized forced labor. Since that time, CBP states, they have taken various remedial measures, including the repayment of recruitment fees, improvements to living conditions, and implementation of new worker-centered policies and procedures.
As a result, CBP has determined that the conditions of forced labor identified in the WRO have been remediated and that shipments of Smart Glove’s synthetic gloves received on or after April 26 will no longer be detained at U.S. ports of entry.
This is the third time CBP has terminated forced labor-related import restrictions this year. CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller said these actions prove that “our enforcement efforts are driving responsible corporate citizenship and significant changes in corporate behavior” by importers and businesses “as they identify and eliminate forced labor from their supply chains so that they can do business in the U.S.”
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg has a robust program to assist companies on forced labor issues, including modifying or revoking WROs or findings. 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.
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