LABOUR RIGHTS

The Senate was unable to approve before it adjourned for a short break a comprehensive legislative package aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness while addressing the challenges posed by mainland China, although it is expected to take up the legislation when it returns for business during the week of 7 June. Before it adjourned, the upper chamber approved an amendment that incorporates multiple trade provisions to the legislation. More

For what appears to be the first time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement of a withhold release order is being challenged in court. The case comes amid increasing concerns about how companies can effectively demonstrate the absence of forced labour in their global supply chains. More

The U.S. solar industry on 29 April unveiled a set of voluntary guidelines aimed at eradicating instances of forced labour in its global supply chain. The Solar Energy Industries Association is seeking to address concerns voiced by various U.S. lawmakers and other relevant actors that the U.S. solar industry is dependent on raw materials made with forced labour in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, particularly polysilicon. More

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced a new withhold release order that effective 13 January requires the detention at all U.S. ports of entry of all cotton products and all tomato products grown or produced by entities operating Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. These products include apparel, textiles, tomato seeds, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and other goods made with cotton and tomatoes. More