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  4. CBP Commissioner Issues Detention Order on Chemical, Fiber Products Produced by Forced Labor in China

CBP Commissioner Issues Detention Order on Chemical, Fiber Products Produced by Forced Labor in China

Release Date
Tue, 03/29/2016

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske today directed the issuance of a withhold release order against imported soda ash, calcium chloride, caustic soda, and viscose/rayon fiber manufactured or mined by Tangshan Sanyou Group and its subsidiaries in the People’s Republic of China.  The order will require detention at all U.S. ports of entry of any of such merchandise manufactured by this company.

“CBP is committed to vigorously enforcing the legal prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured with forced labor,” says Commissioner Kerlikowske. “CBP will do its part to ensure that products entering the United States were not made by exploiting those forced to work against their will, and to ensure that American businesses and workers do not have to compete with businesses profiting from forced labor.”

The withhold release order is based on information obtained by CBP indicating that the Tangshan Sanyou Group and its subsidiaries utilize convict labor in the production of the merchandise.

It is illegal to import into the United States goods made, wholly or in part, with convict labor and/or forced labor (including forced child labor) and/or indentured labor under penal sanctions. CBP issues withhold release orders when information available reasonably indicates merchandise in violation of 19 U.S.C. § 1307, is, or is likely to be, imported.

Additional information, including how to submit information to CBP, may be found at CBP.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Oct 12, 2021