The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Wednesday that it will no longer import steel and artificial sweeteners from two China-based companies due to allegations of forced labor.
DHS lists Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Steel Co., Ltd. and Changzhou Guanghui Food Raw Materials Co., Ltd., which are accused of using forced labor to sell products internationally, as companies sanctioned for Uyghur forced labor. announced that he would be joining the. Prevention Act (UFLPA).
“The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is the Biden-Harris Administration's most powerful tool to combat forced labor and hold perpetrators accountable,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced in a statement. statement on wednesday. “UFLPA urges U.S. companies to thoroughly examine and evaluate their supply chains and urges international partners to set new standards as we work together to eliminate forced labor from the global economy. ”
This action marks the first time a steel or aspartame company has been added to the UFLPA Entity List. President Biden signed the UFLPA in late 2021 following allegations of mistreatment of ethnic Uyghurs and other persecuted groups in Xinjiang and Beijing.
“Today's action reaffirms our commitment to eliminating forced labor from America's supply chains and upholding the values of human rights for all people,” said Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security. There is,” he said. “No sector is off-limits and we will continue to identify organizations across the industry and hold to account those who profit from exploitation and abuse.”
