CBP to Seize Aluminum Products Linked to Forced Labor by Dominican-Based Chinese Company
Trade Update • Dec. 5, 2024
.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a decisive action to combat forced labor in global supply chains. Effective December 4, 2024, aluminum extrusions, profiles, and their derivatives produced by Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L., a Chinese-owned company in the Dominican Republic, will be subject to seizure and forfeiture at U.S. ports of entry.
These aluminum products, used in transportation, construction, furniture, electronics, and more, were found to involve forced labor. This action highlights CBP’s commitment to enforcing trade laws that protect human rights and ensure fair competition.
Goods Subject to Seizure
CBP port directors are authorized to seize aluminum extrusions, profiles, and related derivatives if the importer cannot prove they were not produced with forced labor. The affected goods are classified under the following HTSUS subheadings:
- 7604.21.0010
- 7604.29.1010
- 7604.29.3060
- 7604.29.5050
- 7604.29.5090
- 7608.20.0090
- 7610.90.0080
This includes any other relevant aluminum articles under Chapter 76 made in whole or part by Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L.
The seizure applies to:
- Goods imported on or after December 4, 2024.
- Goods imported before December 4 but not yet released by CBP.
Once seized, these products cannot be exported from the United States.
Forced Labor Findings
CBP identified the following International Labour Organization forced labor indicators during its investigation of Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L.: abuse of vulnerability, intimidation and threats, deception, withholding of wages, physical and sexual violence, restriction of movement, and excessive overtime.
Reporting and Compliance
CBP receives allegations of forced labor from a variety of sources including private citizens, government agencies, media, non-government organizations, and witnesses. Any person or organization that has reason to believe merchandise produced with the use of forced labor is being, or is likely to be, imported into the United States, can report detailed allegations by contacting CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
Questions or concerns about if your products are affected please contact us.
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