Flaws in Laws Against Forced Labor
Lawmakers have expressed concerns and are seeking more information about the implementation of the Forced Labor Prevention Act. This act, signed into U.S. federal law on January 14, 2021, aims to combat forced labor and human trafficking in global supply chains. It achieves this by prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor, increasing penalties for companies that violate anti-trafficking laws, and strengthening protections for victims of trafficking.
The law grants U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) increased authority to enforce the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. CBP can seize imported goods suspected of being produced with forced labor, issue fines to companies that import such goods, and even block the entry of certain companies into the U.S. market. Additionally, companies are required to disclose information about their efforts to prevent forced labor in their supply chains, as well as conduct due diligence to identify and address risks of forced labor in their operations and supply chains.
Overall, the Forced Labor Prevention Act represents a significant effort by the U.S. government to promote ethical and sustainable practices in global supply chains, and it is an important step in the fight against forced labor and human trafficking.
The Department of Labor just ordered three cross-border logistics companies in San Diego to shell out $840,000 in back wages and fines to warehouse and transportation workers.