Nine months after the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) went into effect, the Biden Administration shows no signs of easing up on its tenacious enforcement of the Act’s import ban. At the same time, the Administration’s approach is
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CBP Releases Guidance for Compliance Requirements Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Key Takeaways:
- Starting on June 21, 2022, all goods produced in whole or in part in the Xinjiang region or by entities on the UFLPA Entity List will be presumed to be made with forced labor and will be prohibited
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Russia and Belarus Sanctions Update – March 15, 2022
Key Takeaways:
- New Executive Order prohibits certain imports and exports, and authorizes the Department of the Treasury to impose significant restrictions on U.S. investment in Russia
- Additional wave of sanctions targeting Russian “elites” close to President Vladimir Putin
- OFAC guidance
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New U.S Legislation Would Require Forced Labor Audits
On February 3, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Slave-Free Business Certification Act of 2022. The legislation aims to provide U.S. policymakers with greater assurances that companies are taking concrete steps to eradicate forced labor…
Possible International Trade Consequences of Further Escalation of Conflict in Ukraine
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S., EU, and UK are coordinating a significant sanctions and export controls package to be implemented if Russia takes further action in Ukraine.
- Restrictions are likely to target key Russian industries including finance, energy, and defense and
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Proposed Legislation in New York Aims to Set New Standards for Worker Rights and Environmental Sustainability in Fashion Industry
On January 7, New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D) and Assemblywoman Anna R. Kelles (D) introduced the Fashion Sustainability Act into the New York State Legislature. If passed and signed into law, the Act would create significant reporting requirements…
Ending Forced Labor in Xinjiang: A New Standard for Importers & Corporate Due Diligence
OverviewThe U.S. Congress has passed a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits the importation of goods from an entire region due to the high risk of severe forced labor abuses there. The legislation – the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act…
New CBP Withhold Release Order Again Targets Forced Labor in the Seafood Industry
On August 4, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) released a Withhold Release Order (“WRO”) on tuna and other seafood harvested by the Hangton No. 112, a Fijian flagged and owned longliner fishing vessel. According to CBP, information discovered…
Congress A Step Closer to Making Corporate ESG Disclosure Mandatory
On June 16, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would impose new ESG due diligence and disclosure requirements on publicly traded companies. H.R. 1187, the ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2021 – would require publicly traded companies…
New E.U. Measure on Environmental and Human Rights Due Diligence Has Far-Reaching Implications for Companies Operating in Europe and Beyond
On March 10, 2021, the European Parliament approved a legislative measure by an overwhelming 504-79 majority that paves the way for a landmark set of regulations setting a corporate duty of care regarding environmental protection and sustainability, internationally recognized human…