The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued an alert to importers regarding the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The UFLPA is a federal law that prohibits the importation of goods produced using forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China.
Starting on March 18, 2023, a new Manufacturer Identification code (MID) requirement will be enforced for all shipments. The MID code is a unique identifier for manufacturers and suppliers of the goods.
The CBP's deployment of this requirement is part of a broader effort to prevent the importation of goods produced using forced labor in the XUAR. The UFLPA places the burden of compliance on the importers, who must conduct due diligence on their supply chain and ensure that their goods are not produced using forced labor.
Importers who fail to comply with the UFLPA face significant penalties and risks to their reputation. The CBP encourages importers to work closely with their suppliers to ensure compliance with the MID code requirement and to report any suspected violations to the agency.
The UFLPA Region Alert issued by the CBP highlights the importance of compliance with federal laws and regulations related to forced labor. The MID code requirement is a critical component of the CBP's efforts to prevent the importation of goods produced using forced labor in the XUAR. Importers should be aware of the upcoming deadline and work with their suppliers to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations to avoid penalties.
Further information can be found below: