CBP Lifts WRO After Malaysian Glove Company Addresses Forced Labor Concerns
CBP modified a withhold release order on imports of synthetic disposable gloves manufactured by the Smart Glove group of companies, and will now allow gloves from the Malaysian company to enter the U.S. “provided they are otherwise in compliance with U.S. laws,” it said. “Shipments of Smart Glove’s synthetic gloves received on or after April 26, 2023 will no longer be detained at U.S. ports of entry,” CBP said. The original WRO was issued in 2021 (see 2111040045).
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The modification comes after Smart Glove took “various measures” in response to the WRO, CBP said. “Smart Glove’s remediation efforts included repayment of recruitment fees, improvements to living conditions, and implementation of new worker-centered policies and procedures," it said. "CBP has determined the conditions of forced labor identified in the WRO have been remediated.”
CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller said "we are witnessing a shift in behavior from importers and businesses as they identify and eliminate forced labor from their supply chains so that they can do business in the U.S., which ensures our economic security and enhances protections against forced labor."