Uyghur Forced-Labor Guidance Coming Before June 21 Effective Date: CBP

Customs and Border Protection will issue its guidance on complying with the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act before the new law takes effect June 21 (see 2112250001), Commissioner Chris Magnus told the annual conference of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America Wednesday in Tucson. The guidance will be out “very, very soon,” he said. “I’ve heard loud and clear your concerns about receiving this guidance,” Magnus said. Under UFLPA, CBP must instruct importers on what constitutes the clear and convincing evidence they must produce to overcome the rebuttable presumption that their goods were produced in whole or in part with forced labor in Xinjiang, China. “Our team will be ready to answer your questions and able to address any concerns you have,” Magnus said. CBP will hold educational webinars on UFLPA, and provide additional guidance as it becomes available, he said. The interagency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, which is headed by the Department of Homeland Security, will also present a strategy to Congress on how CBP plans to enhance its legal authorities and other tools, plus address the additional resources required for enforcement. UFLPA requires CBP to report to Congress anytime it accepts an importer’s evidence that goods weren't made with forced labor, granting an exception from the rebuttable presumption requirement for the goods to be imported. Those exceptions will be made public.