USTR Section 301 Investigation: Forced Labor Goods Imports
Summary
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The USTR is seeking public comments on this matter, with a deadline of April 15.
What changed
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has opened a Section 301 investigation concerning the alleged failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. This action signals a potential review of existing import restrictions and enforcement mechanisms related to forced labor.
Regulated entities, particularly importers and manufacturers, should review the USTR's notice and consider submitting comments by the April 15 deadline. This investigation could lead to changes in import policies or increased scrutiny of supply chains to ensure compliance with forced labor prohibitions, potentially impacting trade flows and compliance obligations.
What to do next
- Review USTR notice regarding Section 301 investigation on forced labor goods.
- Submit comments to USTR by April 15, 2024, if applicable.
- Assess current supply chain due diligence processes for forced labor risks.
Source document (simplified)
Section 301 – Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor
Section 301 Investigations
- FAQs
- Section 301 – Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor
- Section 301 – Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors
- Section 301 – Korea's Acts, Policies, and Practices Concerning Coupang (Petition)
- Section 301 – China’s Implementation of Commitments Under the Phase One Agreement
- Section 301 – Brazil’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation
- Section 301 – China's Targeting of the Semiconductor Industry for Dominance
- Section 301 – Nicaragua Labor Rights, Human Rights, and Rule of Law
- Section 301 – China-Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance
- Section 301 – China Illicit Fentanyl (Petition)
- Section 301 – Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products (Petition)
- Section 301 – Vietnam Currency
- Section 301 – Vietnam Timber
- Section 301 – Digital Services Taxes
- Section 301 – Large Civil Aircraft
- Section 301 – China Technology Transfer
- Section 301 – EU Beef Trade Topics Enforcement Section 301 Investigations Section 301 – Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor Initiation of Section 301 Investigations, Hearings, and Request for Public Comments – March 12, 2026
Comments Docket – The USTR portal for submitting comments opened on March 12, 2026. Comments must be received by April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Requests to Appear Docket – The USTR portal for submitting requests to appear at the public hearing opened on March 12, 2026. Requests must be received by April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
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