KUALA LUMPUR: The US has allowed imports from Supermax Corp Bhd after lifting a ban imposed on the glovemaker since October 2021 due to alleged forced labour concerns.
In a statement today, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said effective immediately, it will allow imports of disposable gloves manufactured by Supermax Corp and its wholly-owned subsidiaries to enter the US, provided they are in compliance with its laws.
The CBP on Oct 21, 2021, had issued a withhold release order (WRO) against Supermax Corp and its wholly-owned subsidiaries namely Supermax Glove Manufacturing, Maxter Glove Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Maxwell Glove Manufacturing Bhd.
This was due to successful remediation of forced labour indicators in the company's supply chain.
CBP senior official performing the duties of the commissioner Troy A Miller said today's action underscores the ongoing impact of its enforcement efforts in driving remediation and eliminating forced labour from supply chains.
"Everyone is entitled to humane and dignified treatment in the workplace, no matter who they are or where they live, and that's why this work matters," Miller added.
CBP began enforcing a WRO against Supermax and its wholly-owned subsidiaries based on evidence indicating the presence of 10 of the 11 International Labour Organisation indicators of forced labour.
In response to the WRO, the company demonstrated to CBP that it has taken steps to remediate the forced labour indicators identified in its supply chain.
Meanwhile, CBP Office of Trade's executive assistant commissioner AnnMarie R Highsmith said CBP's vigilance on this issue is showing the industry and the world that it is fully committed to elevating the ethical standard of goods entering the US and ending forced labour.
Thus far in fiscal year 2023, CBP has issued four modifications.
CBP's forced labour enforcement efforts have resulted in the improvement of living and working conditions for tens of thousands of workers, including the repayment of more than US$50 million in withheld wages and recruitment fees used to trap workers in debt bondage.