Forced Labor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection defines forced labor “as all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer work or service voluntarily. Indentured labor is defined as work or service performed pursuant to a contract, the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties. This includes forced or indentured child labor.”

Forced Labor is a major concern for U.S. Customs & Border Protection. All importers and members of CTPAT must be proactive and review their entire supply chains from beginning to end and address any possible issues to ensure forced labor does not exist.  As a member of CTPAT Thunderbolt Global Logistics, LLC fully supports U.S. Customs & Border Protection, denounces the use of forced labor, and requires all members of its supply chain to agree to do the same.

An internal compliance program for Thunderbolt’s business partners is encouraged, so every member of the supply chain will adhere to the prevention of forced labor and is able to provide proof according to U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s standards. Enforcement actions by U.S. Customs & Border Protection can be implemented for imported items that are determined to possibly have had forced labor used within the different aspects of the supply chain. All of Thunderbolt’s business partners and clients are required and are responsible for educating everyone within their supply chains to ensure forced labor is not utilized. Both internal and external audits are strongly recommended.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s ultimate goal is to prevent imported cargo from entering the commerce of the United States that involves the use of forced labor. Prohibiting forced labor in agreements/contracts with business partners is a suggested requirement within the supply chain for all business entities. Thunderbolt Global Logistics, LLC can refuse to work with any current or potential business partner that may be involved in the use of forced labor.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s guidelines and requirements concerning forced labor can be found using the below links.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor
https://www.dhs.gov/forced-labor-enforcement-task-force
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings

If you should have any questions, please contact our office at 410-633-2722 or Jim@thunderboltglobal.com.

James (Jim) Shapiro LCB, CCS
Owner/Director