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Companies are facing increasing threats to supply chain resiliency as enforcement of the prohibition of importating goods mined, produced or manufactured by forced labor is on the rise. This page gathers together information and resources on preventing forced labor in your supply chain and moving toward supply chain transparency "from earth to hearth." 

Let us help you gain visibility and build resiliency in your supply chain. For a complimentary private consultation on your company's forced labor and supply chain visibility practices, please click here. 

Latest Forced Labor & Supply Chain Security News From ST&R

U.S. Forced Labor Enforcement Activity By Country

China

The US is taking a whole-government approach to addressing the human rights violations occurring in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with respect to the Uyghur and other ethnic minorities. While diplomatic channels remain open, the US Government and Congress have taken several actions to prevent the importation of goods that may be made in whole or in part using forced labor in accordance with Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act effectively deems all goods mined, produced, or manufactured in the XUAR to be produced by forced labor in China. Even those not importing directly from China may have goods detained if the materials used to produce the imported goods in a second country are tied at any level to XUAR or specific entities or commodities associated with forced labor in China. Companies need to ensure their supply chains do not include such goods.

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Cambodia

On November 10, 2021, the US Departments of State, Treasury and Commerce issued a joint advisory to US companies that conduct business in Cambodia in key sectors or with certain high risk entities. This advisory addresses the following primary areas of risk exposure for US companies:

  • Illicit finance activities in Cambodia and related risks for the financial, real estate, casino, and infrastructure sectors.
  • Involvement with Cambodian entities involved in trafficking in persons, wildlife, and narcotics in Cambodia and related risks for the manufacturing and timber sectors.
  • Child exploitation, subject to forced labor in brickmaking, rubber plantations, construction and entertainment venues.

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Burma

On January 26, 2022, a joint agency including the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, Labor, Homeland Security and the USTR issued an advisory to US companies doing business in Burma and specifially with the military or associated companis. Additionally, businesses and individuals should be wary of the associated illicit finance risks as well as reputational and legal risks of conducting business in and utilizing supply chains under military control in Burma. The specific entities and sectors of greatest concern within Burma include:

  • State-owned enterprises
  • Gems and precious metals
  • Real estate and construction projects
  • Arms, military equipment, and related activity
  • A number of goods imported from Burma into the US, including bamboo, beans (green, soy, yellow), bricks, garments, jade, palm thatch, rice, rubber, rubies, sesame, shrimp, sugarcane, sunflowers, and teak, have been tied to labor abuses including child and forced labor

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North Korea

CAATSA Section 321 creates a rebuttable presumption that North Korean workers are forced to labor. 

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Government Information & Documents

Worldwide Actions to Prevent Forced Labor

Below, find actions taken worldwide to limit forced labor. This list is not exhaustive.

 

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Global Trade Restrictions to Address Forced Labor - Why Companies Must Think Broader Than UFLPA

Uyghur Forced Labor Ban Enforcement Details

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