Forced Labor

CBP’s forced labor enforcement mission supports ethical and humane trade while leveling the playing field for United States (U.S.) companies that respect fair labor standards. CBP is the only U.S. government agency, and one of the few in the world, with the legal authority to take enforcement action against goods produced with forced labor to prevent entry into domestic commerce.

Forced labor is a violation of basic human rights. CBP is committed to identifying products made by forced labor and preventing them from entering the U.S.; therefore denying access to the U.S. economy for those that engage in the egregious human rights abuses associated with the use of forced labor.

Eradicating the use of forced labor is a moral imperative. Additionally, forced labor is an unfair trade practice that undermines the ability of companies that treat workers fairly to compete in the global economy. CBP is determined not only to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering the United States, but also to do everything within our authority to stop them from being made in the first place.