China blocks firms behind cotton origin checks

BEIJING – In response to the largest expansion of the US forced-labour entity list, China has issued a new dictate that creates uncertainty over traceability, testing, and assessment activities involving China’s textile sector – with the Responsible Business Alliance even falling foul of the authorities.

The decision followed the US Department of Homeland Security’s recent addition of 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List on 31st July. The additions took effect on 3rd August, increasing the number of entities on the list to 187 and representing its largest single expansion to date.