CBP detains Chinese goods on suspicion forced labor was used

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requiring terminal operators, warehouses or other entities with custody to detain potassium, potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate from Tangshan Sunfar Silicon Co. while it investigates the matter.    U.S. Customs and Border Protection is prohibiting ports from releasing into U.S. commerce imports of commodities manufactured or mined by two Chinese companies that allegedly utilize convict labor in their operations.
   The agency, using new authority granted by the recent Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act signed into law Feb. 24, is requiring terminal operators, warehouses or other entities with custody to detain potassium, potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate from Tangshan Sunfar Silicon Co. while it investigates the matter.
   CBP also ordered detained soda ash, calcium chloride, caustic soda and viscose/rayon fiber from Tangshan Sanyou Group and its subsidiaries.
   The TFTEA enables more rigorous enforcement of a longstanding ban on imported goods produced by child or slave labor. The law closed a loophole that allowed such products to be admitted into the United States if there was not enough supply to meet domestic demand.
   Human rights groups have filed complaints that triggered the CBP investigations.