CBP Removes Taiwanese Seafood Products Importer From WRO
Effective immediately, CBP will no longer detain shipments of seafood products harvested by Yu Long No. 2, a Taiwan-flagged fishing vessel.
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The agency had issued a withhold release order in May 2020 (see 2005110022), upon evidence that forced labor played a role in the vessel’s fishing operations, according to an Aug. 14 CBP release. The WRO sought to detain the imports at U.S. ports of entry.
CBP says this is its first modification issued in 2024.
“Today’s modification of the withhold release order against Yu Long No. 2 is another victory for human rights and a sign that CBP’s forced labor enforcement is working,” said Troy Miller, CBP senior official performing the duties of the commissioner. “CBP will remain steadfast in its efforts to protect the rights of workers everywhere. We will not cease until every last worker trapped in conditions of forced labor is free.”
CBP also said Yu Long No. 2 has sought to remediate the forced labor indicators within its fishing process since the agency handed down the WRO upon the vessel.
“Our vigilance in enforcing our trade laws is showing industry and the world that we are fully committed to combatting forced labor, whether these abuses are happening on the factory floor, in the fields, or onboard a ship. We believe that every worker should be treated with respect and dignity,” said AnnMarie Highsmith, executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade.