Imported Work Gloves from Chinese Manufacturers Detained – Forced Labor Order

Trade Update • April 16, 2024

.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is taking stringent action against Shanghai Select Safety Products Company, Limited, and its subsidiaries, Select (Nantong) Safety Products Co. Limited and Select Protective Technology (HK) Limited. CBP will detain work gloves produced by these companies at all U.S. entry points. This measure follows a Withhold Release Order (WRO) issued due to credible evidence of forced labor in their manufacturing process, a serious breach of U.S. law under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.

Impact of Forced Labor on Workers and Markets

The exploitation through forced labor not only degrades human dignity by subjecting workers to harsh conditions but also negatively impacts American businesses and laborers by flooding the market with underpriced goods. The International Labour Organization estimates that around 28 million people globally are trapped in forced labor.

Commitment to Ethical Practices

Troy A. Miller, a senior official at CBP, reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to leading by example in ethical business practices globally. He noted that ongoing enforcement has led to notable improvements in the conditions for workers within these affected supply chains.

Ongoing Efforts and Global Leadership

The WRO against these Chinese firms is part of a broader initiative to confront forced labor and other human rights abuses worldwide. Currently, the CBP enforces 52 WROs and eight findings targeting goods produced under conditions violating human rights. CBP detains such shipments and may exclude or seize them if importers fail to verify their production meets ethical standards.

Forced Labor Not Tolerated

“We continue to send a strong message to the importing community that the United States will not tolerate forced labor and human rights abuses in our supply chains,” said Robert Silvers, DHS Under Secretary for Policy and Chair of the federal Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force. “CBP’s actions today demonstrate that we will enforce all of our forced labor laws vigorously.”

Reporting and Vigilance

CBP encourages anyone who suspects the use of forced labor in merchandise destined for the U.S. market to report their concerns via the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by contacting the 1-800-BE-ALERT hotline. These efforts underscore a steadfast commitment to eradicate forced labor from both international and domestic supply chains.

For questions or concerns about if your products are affected please contact us.