Is North Korean Labor used in your supply chains? The answer should be no, and if you are not sure, then you need to be aware of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

In early December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorized the detention of merchandise from multiple China-based companies – Jingde Trading Ltd., Rixin Foods. Ltd., and Zhejiang Sunrise Garment Group Co. Ltd. at all U.S. ports.

This enforcement action is the result of a CBP investigation indicating that these companies use North Korean labor in their supply chains in violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The CAATSA prohibits any goods that are produced, or manufactured in whole or in part by North Korean nationals or North Korean citizens anywhere in the world – unless the importer or manufacturer can provide clear and convincing evidence the goods were not made by convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor.

To enforce the CAATSA – CBP can detain any merchandise suspected of violating CAATSA at all ports of entry into the US.

If you have received notice of a CAATSA violation – please note, you have 30 days to provide clear and convincing evidence forced labor was not used. If you have received a notice – contact David Hsu immediately by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com; DH@GJATradeLaw.com.

Any delay may result in seizure and or forfeiture of your goods. Also, if you are aware of any company or manufacturer importing goods made in violation of CAATSA, please also contact David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com; DH@GJATradeLaw.com. All communications are confidential and subject to attorney/client privilege.