International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
Solar panel exports were already facing heightened CBP scrutiny under a withhold release order affecting a major supplier of polysilicon, a material used to make ingots that are then made into cells, which are then made into panels. But the early results of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act enforcement suggest that the Biden administration is willing to strictly enforce UFLPA "despite impacts on [solar panel] supply and pricing," said Tim Brightbill, a trade lawyer at Wiley.
International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
A lawyer who has represented clients whose goods were detained over suspicion of forced labor says the new document laying out the strategy on enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is not earth-shattering.
International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.
The published strategy to stop imports of goods with Xinjiang region content is lengthy, but it also shows how many blanks are left to be filled in. The rebuttable presumption that goods with a nexus to Xinjiang or Uyghur workers are banned took effect on June 21.
CBP has 30 days following import to issue a redelivery notice for goods suspected of violating the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, said JoAnne Colonnello, director of the Pharmaceuticals Center of Excellence and Expertise, on June 16 during a webinar on UFLPA compliance. "CBP, by law. can request redelivery of items up to 30 days after the goods have been imported," she said. "So, if CBP finds that those goods are wholly or part made in the Xinjiang, CBP can request redelivery." The UFLPA takes effect on June 21.
DHS posted the Forced Labor Enforcement Strategy document from the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force on June 17. The document was required under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which creates a rebuttable presumption that as of June 21 goods connected to the Xinjiang region in China are made with forced labor. Included in the document is "comprehensive assessment of the risk of importing goods mined, produced, or manufactured, wholly or in part, with forced labor," the task force said. Also included is an "evaluation and description of forced-labor schemes, UFLPA-required lists (including the UFLPA Entity List), UFLPA-required plans, and high priority sectors for enforcement."
DHS posted the Forced Labor Enforcement Strategy document from the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force on June 17. The document was required under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which creates a rebuttable presumption that as of June 21 goods connected to the Xinjiang region are made with forced labor. Included in the document is "comprehensive assessment of the risk of importing goods mined, produced, or manufactured, wholly or in part, with forced labor," said the task force. Also included is an "evaluation and description of forced-labor schemes, UFLPA-required lists (including the UFLPA Entity List), UFLPA-required plans, and high priority sectors for enforcement."
CBP's operational guidance for importers about complying with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (see 2206140037) left too many importer subjects unanswered, the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) Forced Labor Working Group said in a document released ahead of the June 29 COAC meeting. "While CBP’s Importer Guidance provides general information, it disappointingly does not reflect incorporation of the many practical recommendations that have been submitted over the years," the group said. "CBP must increase transparency, engagement, and communication, early and often, with the Trade community regarding the current process for enforcement as well as the detention or release of goods believed to be linked to forced labor."