CBP Issues Forced Labor Finding on Kingtom Aluminio
CBP has determined that Kingtom Aluminio's aluminum extrusions were produced or manufactured using forced labor, the agency said in a notice. The determination applies to any merchandise imported on or after Dec. 4, as well as any merchandise that has been imported into the U.S. but has not been released from CBP custody.
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The forced labor finding means CBP will seize all entries covered by the finding, unless the importer shows evidence that the merchandise is admissible. Unlike with withhold release orders, reexporting the goods isn't an option.
The finding covers "aluminum extrusions and profile products and derivatives produced or manufactured wholly or in part" by Kingtom Aluminio with aluminum and articles of aluminum classified under tariff subheadings 7604.21.0010, 7604.29.1010, 7604.29.3060, 7604.29.5050, 7604.29.5090, 7608.20.0090, 7610.90.0080 "and any other relevant subheadings under Chapter 76."
CBP said there is "sufficient information" that the aluminum extrusions, as well as related profile products and derivatives, are being produced using forced labor, indentured labor or labor using convicts, in a factory in the Dominican Republic, the agency said in the notice.
Kingtom Aluminio had not previously been the subject of a withhold release order, unlike other recent forced labor findings.
The finding is the result of a petition filed with CBP and DHS by the Aluminum Extruders Council and the United Steelworkers labor union, according to an AEC news release. The release says Kingtom "is a Chinese owned aluminum extruder in the Dominican Republic and uses both Chinese and local Dominican labor."
According to its website, Kingtom Aluminio is the largest aluminum extrusion plant in the Caribbean. The company didn't respond to a request for comment.