Forced Labor is the third most lucrative illicit trade, behind only drugs and weapons, and has an annual trade value of roughly $150 Billion. Right now, over 40 million people around the world are victims of some type of forced labor, including modern slavery, human trafficking, etc.
Thankfully, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been working to curb this inhumane practice.
On September 2, 2020, via Federal Register Notice, the United States Trade Representative formally announced its determination to extended certain previously granted exclusion requests through the end of the year; December 31, 2020.
On July 1, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Newark, New Jersey seized an import from China of roughly 13 tons of beauty products and accessories, discovered products made of human hair. The shipment, which came from the Xinjiang Region of China is estimated to be worth over $800,000.00.
The import was seized as a result of a June 17, 2020, Withhold Release Order (WRO) for “imported merchandise made wholly or in part with hair products produced by Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd. (Meixin) in Xinjiang, China”.
According to CBP’s Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade, there had already been evidence that reasonably indicated that the Chinese hair product company had been using prison labor to produce their merchandise, which is prohibited by Federal statute 19 U.S.C. 1307.
We strive to keep our readers updated on import and export compliance issues and events. Here is another chance for you to learn what it takes to trade with Mexico. Join Diaz Trade Law’s founder, Jennifer Diaz, at U.S.-Mexico Logistics & Supply Chain Leader Meeting this Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Four Seasons in Brickell.
Ms. Diaz has been appointed as the moderator for panel discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in Cross-border E–Commerce. The panelists include:
The Customs and International Trade Department of the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff regularly holds workshops. Attendees learn the most recent information regarding compliance with the import and export requirements of the various Federal agencies of the United States Government. Our next workshops will focus on one of my favorite subjects, FOOD, and take place in both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.