U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced two new withhold release orders that, effective Sept. 29, require the detention at all U.S. ports of entry of palm oil and its derivative products produced by Mitra Aneka Rezeki and Hardaya Inti Plantation in Indonesia. CBP states that these WROs are based on evidence that workers at these factories are subject to nine International Labor Organization indicators of forced labor.
According to CBP, importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export those shipments or demonstrate that the goods were not produced with forced labor.
WROs are issued pursuant to 19 USC 1307, which prohibits imports of goods made wholly or in part with forced labor, including convict labor. CBP notes that it is now enforcing 60 WROs and eight findings under this law.
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. For more information, please contact STR.
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