Robert Silvers Under Secretary, Office of Policy | Official Website
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an expansion of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, adding 29 new companies based in the People's Republic of China (PRC). This brings the total number of entities on the list to 107. The move is part of efforts by the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), chaired by DHS, to eliminate forced labor practices in U.S. supply chains and hold accountable those involved in human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minority groups in Xinjiang.
"Forced labor is a violation of basic human rights," stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. He emphasized that DHS is actively enforcing the UFLPA to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering the United States. Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers added, "Today's enforcement actions make it clear -- the United States will not tolerate forced labor in the goods entering our markets."
The UFLPA has been instrumental for the Biden-Harris administration's initiatives against forced labor, particularly in safeguarding supply chains and promoting ethical sourcing and production practices. Starting November 25, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will enforce a rebuttable presumption that goods from these newly listed entities are prohibited from entering the country due to their links with forced labor practices.
Among those listed are Tianjin Tianwei Food Co., Ltd., which processes agricultural products like tomatoes sourced from Xinjiang; Xinjiang Zhonghe Co., Ltd., involved in electronics manufacturing; and several subsidiaries under Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Industry Group Co., Ltd., engaged in mining activities.
Additionally, 23 entities primarily dealing with agricultural products have been identified as sourcing from Xinjiang. Companies such as Anhui Yaozhiyuan Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., Dalian Sunspeed Foods Co., Ltd., and Hebei Tomato Industry Co., Ltd. are among those added to the list.
A technical correction was also made regarding Xinjiang East Hope Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd.'s listing details.
This update underscores DHS’s focus on preventing forced labor products from infiltrating U.S. markets, reinforcing a commitment to ethical trade practices globally.
For further information about FLETF initiatives, visit www.dhs.gov/uflpa.
