The Department of Homeland Security decided to ban imports from 37 entities in China on Tuesday citing a larger effort to outlaw exploitation under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
“In adding 37 companies to the UFLPA Entities List and bringing the total to nearly 150, we again demonstrate our relentless fight against the cruelty of forced labor, our unwavering commitment to basic human rights, and our tireless defense of a free, fair, and competitive market,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the largest round out of businesses added to the forced labor blacklist. U.S. officials have been steadily enforcing bans since 2022.
“With each addition to the UFLPA Entity List, we are building momentum and showing that our efforts are sustainable and enduring in eradicating forced labor in our nation’s supply chains,” said Acting Under Secretary for Policy, Robert Paschall.
“This largest-ever batch of additions reinforces that we are implementing the full force of this law, making impactful updates to the UFLPA Entity List, and enhancing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement capabilities.”
The ban for the 37 entities is slated to go into effect on Jan. 15.