By Uyghur Times Staff | January 14, 2025
In a significant move to combat forced labor, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List by adding 37 Chinese companies. This marks the largest single update to the list since its creation, bringing the total to 144 entities. Among the newly listed are key players in critical minerals, textiles, and solar manufacturing—all linked to forced labor in the Uyghur Region.
The UFLPA, enacted in 2022, mandates a rebuttable presumption that goods made in the Uyghur homeland, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are produced with forced labor unless proven otherwise. The policy aims to address widespread human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the region. DHS collaborates with the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce this law.
Details of the Expansion: The updated list targets major industries with documented ties to forced labor:
- Critical Minerals: Companies like Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd. and CNGR Advanced Material Co., Ltd. are integral to global supply chains for batteries and electronics.
- Textiles: Huafu Fashion Co., Ltd., along with 25 of its subsidiaries, sources cotton from Xinjiang, where forced labor practices are rampant.
- Solar Industry: Entities like Donghai JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Meike Solar Technology Co., Ltd. produce solar panels using polysilicon from Xinjiang.
Statements from Officials: “This expansion sends a powerful message: the U.S. will not tolerate forced labor in any form,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “By targeting entities complicit in these abuses, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring ethical supply chains.”
Acting Under Secretary for Policy Robert Paschall added, “These additions reflect the full weight of U.S. enforcement capabilities. Businesses must recognize the risks of engaging with these entities.”
Implications for Global Supply Chains: The inclusion of major corporations highlights the widespread reliance on forced labor in industries essential to the global economy. The U.S. is urging companies to strengthen due diligence efforts and ensure compliance with the UFLPA. Experts predict that these actions will disrupt supply chains and compel businesses to adopt more transparent practices.
Human Impact: This update comes amid ongoing reports of mass detentions, surveillance, and exploitation of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Survivors and advocates have consistently called for stronger enforcement of laws like the UFLPA to address these atrocities.
Next Steps: Effective January 15, 2025, CBP will block imports from these entities unless importers provide clear evidence that the goods were not made with forced labor. Businesses are advised to review their supply chains and seek alternative sourcing to avoid disruptions.
Conclusion: The U.S. government’s actions under the UFLPA reflect a broader commitment to upholding human rights and ethical trade practices. As the fight against forced labor continues, global attention is now firmly focused on holding complicit entities accountable.
For more information: Visit CBP’s official website to access the full UFLPA Entity List and related resources.
