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CBP Releases Forced Labor Enforcement Operational Guidance for Importers

Published June 13, 2026

Key Points

  • CBP issued CSMS #68927213 introducing new Forced Labor Enforcement Operational Guidance for Importers.
  • The guidance consolidates 19 U.S.C. § 1307, UFLPA, and CAATSA into a single reference document.
  • New enforcement process maps cover UFLPA, WRO, Finding, and CAATSA actions.
  • Dedicated sections provide step-by-step procedures for WRO/Finding and CAATSA enforcement responses.
  • Appendices expand documentation requirements, due diligence examples, and sample CBP notices.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seal displayed in front of stacked shipping containers, representing import enforcement and supply chain compliance

T​​​he Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its new Forced Labor Enforcement Operational Guidance, which consolidates three core enforcement authorities used to prevent the importation of goods produced with forced labor into the U.S. These include 19 U.S.C. § 1307, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), and the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The guidance provides importers with a single reference point for understanding CBP enforcement actions across multiple legal frameworks.

What Does the Updated CBP Forced Labor Guidance Include?

The updated guidance introduces enhancements that improve importer visibility across CBP’s enforcement framework, including:

  • A consolidated set of enforcement process maps that bring together UFLPA, Withhold Release Order (WRO), Finding, and CAATSA actions in a single document.
  • Dedicated sections that outline WRO/Finding and CAATSA procedures, including step-by-step details on expected actions and how importers should respond to detentions or exclusions.
  • Expanded appendices that provide recommended supply chain documentation for high-priority sectors, practical UFLPA due diligence examples, and sample CBP notices covering detention, exclusion, Notices of Redelivery, and Certificate of Origin requirements.

CBP encourages importers to review the updated guidance and strengthen supplier due diligence practices before importing goods into the U.S.

How GHY Can Help?

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