CBP Issues WRO Against Taepyung Salt Farm in South Korea
CBP has issued a withhold release order against Taepyung Salt Farm amid allegations that the company uses forced labor in its production of sea salt products, the agency said in an April 3 release.
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As a result of this WRO, CBP will detain sea salt products from the South Korean company at all U.S. ports of entry.
“Combatting forced labor in our supply chain is one of many ways we work to ensure an even playing field for law-abiding American businesses,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade Susan S. Thomas.
“The fight against forced labor is a top priority for CBP,” CBP acting Commissioner Pete Flores said in the release. “Products made with forced labor do not belong in the United States.”
CBP said it identified the following International Labour Organization forced labor indicators during its investigation of Taepyung Salt Farm: abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, abusive living and working conditions, intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, withholding of wages and excessive overtime.
The agency currently oversees and enforces 52 WROs and nine findings under the code prohibiting importation of goods made with convict labor.