WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection will detain imported merchandise made wholly or in part with seafood harvested by the Yu Long No. 2, a Taiwanese flagged fishing vessel, at all U.S. ports of entry effective May 11.
CBP issued the withhold release order against tuna and other seafood products from the Yu Long No. 2 based on information obtained by the agency that indicates the use of forced labor.
“As part of its trade enforcement responsibilities, CBP will continue to vigilantly monitor U.S.-bound supply chains for products made with forced labor. CBP has actively communicated with the trade community so they are aware of the risks and consequences if forced labor is found at any point in their supply chains,” said Brenda Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade.
Federal statute 19 U.S.C. 1307 prohibits the importation of merchandise mined, manufactured, or produced, wholly or in part, by forced labor, including convict labor, forced child labor, and indentured labor. This WRO requires the detention of seafood and any such merchandise manufactured with seafood harvested by the Yu Long No. 2 at all U.S. ports of entry.
CBP receives allegations of forced labor from a variety of sources including the public. Any person or organization that has reason to believe merchandise produced with the use of forced labor is being, or likely to be, imported into the U.S. can report detailed allegations by contacting CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
Follow the CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.