The Department of Homeland Security announced August 1 that it would be restricting goods produced by two Chinese companies (Camel Group and Chenguang Biotech Group) from entering the U.S., as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate forced labor in American supply chains.

The DHS said both organizations utilized business practices that targeted members of persecuted groups in China, including Uyghurs.

Camel Group, which is headquartered in Xiangyang City, is one of China’s largest lead-acid battery manufacturers. Handan-based Chenguang Biotech Group produces food additives, pigments, natural dyes, supplements from agricultural products and plant-based extracts.

“Today’s enforcement actions demonstrate the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to holding organizations accountable for their egregious human rights abuses and forced labor practices,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to work with all of our partners to keep goods made with forced labor from Xinjiang out of U.S. commerce while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade.”

There are now 24 companies on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Signed into law in 2021, the act prohibits goods from entering the U.S. that are produced in Xinjiang or by companies on the UFLPA Entity List due to their use of forced labor or other potential human rights abuses. Since enforcement of the law began in June 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has reviewed over 4,600 shipments worth more than $1.6 billion.