WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection revoked the Withhold Release Order for rubber gloves imported by WRP Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. yesterday.

Effective March 23, 2020, disposable rubber gloves manufactured by WRP Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd after March 16, 2020 will be admissible at all U.S. ports of entry

The WRO, which was initially levied against the company in September 2019, was revoked based on recent information obtained by CBP showing the company is no longer producing the rubber gloves under forced labor conditions.

The process for revoking this WRO is a result of close, continuous communication between CBP and WRP Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd to address concerns over working conditions and adherence to the International Labor Organization’s labor standards. CBP provided feedback to the company to adjust their manufacturing and labor practices and ensure that their supplies are compliant with U.S. and international labor standards.

“This is an example of the mutually beneficial and positive results that occur when importers and manufacturers work with CBP to achieve common goals,” according to CBP’s Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade Brenda Smith. “We are very pleased that this effort successfully mitigated a significant supply chain risk and resulted in better working conditions and more compliant trade.”

Under 19 U.S.C. § 1307, goods made, in whole or in part, by forced labor, including convict labor, forced child labor, and indentured labor may not be imported into the United States. CBP issues withhold release orders when information available reasonably indicates that merchandise that is imported, or is likely to be imported, is in violation of this statute.

Additional information, including how to submit information to CBP, may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community/programs-outreach/convict-importations.

Follow CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.