Historia
Report finds high risk of slavery in Canadian supply chains, calls for stricter import controls and new due diligence law
Canadaâs enforcement of a ban on importing goods produced by forced workers will fall short of standards set by the U.S. example unless Ottawa strengthens its policies, according to a report released by Above Ground. The report finds that companies are importing into Canada large quantities of goods from industries in which forced labour is known to be rife, including products from specific manufacturers accused of using forced workers, for instance those operating in Xinjiang.
The report calls for Canada to ensure vigorous and transparent enforcement of import controls and to adopt mandatory human rights due diligence legislation.
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Withhold Release Orders (“WROs”) are a key part of Customs and Border Protection’s (“CBP”) efforts to enforce the Tariff Act, which prohibits the importation of merchandise mined, produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, by forced labor, including prison labor. CBP issues WROs upon evidence that reasonably – but not conclusively – indicates that a product is made with forced labor. After issuance, such products are blocked from entering the U.S. Since the repeal in 2016 of the “consumptive demand” clause of the Tariff Act, which previously allowed goods made with forced labor to enter the U.S. if they were needed to meet supply demands, WRO issuance has increased exponentially.