US Blocks Imports From 3 Chinese Genetics Companies Over Forced Labor Concerns

U.S. authorities said genetic testing conducted or supported by the companies helped facilitate forced-labor transfers in Xinjiang.

US Blocks Imports From 3 Chinese Genetics Companies Over Forced Labor Concerns

TL;DR

  • The U.S. is blocking imports from three Chinese genetics companies: BGI Genomics, MGI Tech, and Shenzhen BGI Technology (BGI Group).
  • These companies are accused of helping authorities in China’s Xinjiang region transfer Uyghurs and other persecuted minorities into forced labor.
  • The Department of Homeland Security added the companies to a federal forced-labor list.
  • U.S. customs authorities will presume goods made by these companies were produced with forced labor and block their entry.
  • Importers can seek exceptions by providing evidence that forced labor was not used.