"DHS Releases Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Strategy" 17 June 2022

As part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), chaired by DHS, today released the Strategy to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, Or Manufactured With Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China (“Strategy”). The FLETF is an interagency task force that includes DHS, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Departments of Labor, State, Justice, Treasury, and Commerce. The UFLPA passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed by President Biden in December of 2021. The legislation set the relevant dates for the Department to release the Strategy and begin implementation of the law. The strategy is being released after robust engagement with importers, Congress, and other key stakeholders. [...]

DHS urges importers to follow the operational guidance issued on June 13 by CBP and comply with the UFLPA Strategy to ensure their goods are fully compliant and able to be imported into the United States. In addition to the guidance, DHS and CBP have released additional resources to ensure compliance, including frequently asked questions and contact information for inquiries. CBP will also continue to provide assistance and support to businesses and importers with questions on the implementation of the UFLPA.  

DHS and CBP have sought public input to implement the UFLPA and conducted robust engagement with importers, stakeholders, and other interested parties, to include public hearings, briefings, webinars, and one-on-one meetings. DHS will continue to closely coordinate with interested parties to continue efforts to stop the flow of goods produced by forced labor from entering our country while also minimizing any impact to operations. [...]