On October 3, Homeland Security blacklisted two Chinese companies accused of using forced labor involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region. The companies, Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients Co., Ltd., were added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act UFLPA Entity List.
These are the first steel and artificial sweetener companies added to the list under the UFLPA, which aims to address forced labor in global supply chains. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the law’s role in encouraging American businesses to closely examine their supply chains and urged international partners to join efforts in eliminating forced labor.
“The Department of Homeland Security will continue adding exploitative companies to the UFLPA Entity List, enforcing the law, and upholding American values,” Mayorkas stated. So far, 75 companies have been placed on the list, spanning industries such as apparel, agriculture, plastics, electronics, and more.
Homeland Security also called on U.S. companies to ensure their supply chains are free from sanctioned entities. Robert Silvers, under-secretary for policy, reinforced the department’s commitment, stating, No sector is off-limits. We will continue to hold accountable those who profit from exploitation and abuse.