Customs issues related to trade in purported forced labor

Ira Reese
Ira Reese
Independent consultant on customs and trade matters and border and stadium security, Global Security and Innovative Strategies, United States of America
Published 03 Mar 2022
Customs issues related to trade in purported forced labor
Adobe Stock
While many countries of the world find it morally correct to act regarding the importation of forced labor products, in the case of Xinjiang cotton the actions will be very difficult to achieve. Countries may enact “feel good” laws forbidding importation of such products and international bodies can develop guidelines and principles in commerce, but without the proper enforcement tools nothing can be accomplished unless these laws and guidelines can be enforced.

Related content

CBAM liability of importers and ‘other persons’

CBAM liability of importers and ‘other persons’

Michael Lux
Michael Lux
21 Dec 2025

The CBAM Regulation distinguishes as of 1 January 2026 between importers or their customs representatives who are ‘authorised CBAM declarants’ declaring CBAM goods for release for free circulation, and 'other…

Sustainability
Topic spotlight
CBAM goes downstream: what importers of steel and aluminium goods must do before 2028

CBAM goes downstream: what importers of steel and aluminium goods must do before 2028

Erika Besusparienė
Erika Besusparienė
02 Aug 2026

Importers that have only recently adapted to CBAM on raw steel and aluminium now face a further change. The Council's general approach of 12 June 2026 would extend the carbon…

Sustainability
Topic spotlight
United States Deforestation Bill of 2023: What lies ahead?

United States Deforestation Bill of 2023: What lies ahead?

Ira Reese
Ira Reese
27 Mar 2024

The U.S. Deforestation Bill was introduced in the Senate in November 2023. It aims to combat illegal deforestation by prohibiting the importation of products obtained, in whole or in part,…

Sustainability
Country update
Volkswagen Xinjiang facility and forced labor

Volkswagen Xinjiang facility and forced labor

Ira Reese
Ira Reese
28 Feb 2024

As the European Union ponders statutes that respond to unverified claims by different organizations of the usage of slave labour in the manufacture of a variety of goods from China,…

Sustainability
Perspective
Proposed U.S. Foreign Pollution Fee Act (similar to the EU’s CBAM)

Proposed U.S. Foreign Pollution Fee Act (similar to the EU’s CBAM)

Ira Reese
Ira Reese
14 Jan 2024

EU importers of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen are preparing to submit their first report under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), based on emissions data…

Sustainability
Country update
Sustainability requirements: How to operate in the new reality?

Sustainability requirements: How to operate in the new reality?

Brian Staples
Brian Staples
10 Mar 2024

'Deep origin' is a phrase coined by Brain Staples. It is a description of the sustainability-focused regulatory environment now being increasingly faced by customs and traders. It goes beyond customs…

Sustainability
Explainer