CBP Told Lawmakers Enforcement Action Coming Against Xinjiang Polysilicon Products
CBP told lawmakers in February that it planned to take enforcement action over imports of polysilicon products from China related to forced labor, Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee said in a June 10 letter they sent to CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller. They chided him for not taking action against polysilicon products made in the Xinjiang province of China. Polysilicon, which is used in solar panels, has been mentioned as a CBP possible target in recent months (see 2104260059).
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“In response to detailed allegations regarding the prevalence of forced labor in polysilicon production in Xinjiang, CBP sent a letter to Members of Congress in December 2020 confirming that it will investigate such allegations and take all appropriate follow up action," they said. "In a subsequent briefing with congressional offices of Ways and Means members working in February 2021, CBP asserted that enforcement actions regarding polysilicon were forthcoming. However, CBP has yet to take a single enforcement action, even though it received allegations more than seven months ago and suggested imminent enforcement action nearly three months ago. CBP has had sufficient time to review the disturbing facts regarding forced labor and polysilicon production in Xinjiang -- we believe it is time to act.” CBP didn't comment.