Crackdown on Forced Labor in Supply Chains Continues: U.S. Adds 43 Names to Entities List, What's Next for EUFLR, Section 301 Update

Regulators continue to push forward legislation to prevent products made with forced and child labor. Here are the latest updates from around the world.

U.S. Adds 43 Names to Forced Labor Prevention Act Entities List

On July 31st, the U.S. added 43 companies based in China to the Forced Labor Prevention Act Entities List, a key resource used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the identification of products made whole or in part with forced labor.

The newly listed entities are connected to the production and sale of goods made in the XUAR, or with the forced labor connected to the region, and include seafood, gold, copper, transportation infrastructure, aluminum, tomatoes, cotton, garments, frozen foods and more. The additions to the list bring the total number of entities on the Entities List to 187.

The continued identification of new entities to include on the Forced Labor Prevention Act Entities List demonstrates the need for companies importing into the United States to ensure they are continuously mapping their supply chains. Resources utilized by FLETF, CBP and other enforcement bodies continue to evolve, demonstrating an ongoing commitment forced labor enforcement.

The associated press release from the U.S. Department of State can be found here.

EU Commission to Host Industry Information Sessions for EUFLR Preparedness

Beginning September 14th, the EU will host information sessions broken out by industry to aid preparation for the forthcoming EU Forced Labor Regulation (EUFLR). The first info session, "From challenge to action: get ready for the FLR implementation", will serve as a general introduction to the law, its guidance and the Commission's preparedness package. The following sessions hosted on September 16th, October 13th, October 20th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th and November 24th will focus on sector-specific guidance for SMEs, solar, textiles, electronics and semiconductors, food and agriculture, the automotive sector and fisheries.

Registration for these upcoming information sessions can be found on the EUFLR Single Portal.

U.S. Section 301 Investigations Culminate in Announcement of Tariffs for 59 Countries + the E.U.

Section 301 investigations launched in March by the U.S. Trade Representative culminated with an announcement that the U.S. will impose steep tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union. The public justification for these tariffs was the lack of import bans on forced labor in each of the listed countries. (While the EUFLR is a global ban on goods made with forced labor from the E.U. market, it is not an import ban enforced at customs).

The imposed tariffs will range from 10-12.5%, and are effective as of July 24th.

Global Forced Labor Enforcement Underscores Need for Continuous Mapping

The U.S. and European Union will continue to focus on forced labor enforcement throughout the remaining months of 2026 and into 2027. The need for continuous mapping of your end-to-end supply chain is an essential first step in identifying unknown forced labor risks in your product's supply chain, and preventing your goods from being seized at U.S. customs or banned from the E.U. market.

To help stay on top of evolving supply chain regulatory news, or to speak with a member of our team of experts, reach out today.