As the cannabis industry continues to internationalize, it would do well to pay attention to the issue of forced labor. Enforcement activity against the importation of goods made using forced labor has become a major focus area for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The cannabis industry has the opportunity to get things right from the start, avoiding the pitfalls encountered by companies in other sectors.
By way of background, U.S. law prohibits the importation of “goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in any foreign country by convict labor or/and forced labor or/and indentured labor under penal sanctions” (19 U.S.C. § 1307). In turn, forced labor is defined 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 himself voluntarily.” This prohibition has been on the books for a long time but in recent years has really come to the forefront. In addition to the ethical imperative of doing all they can to avoid becoming complicit in forced labor, U.S. importers also have to be concerned about the potential for supply chain disruptions, fines, and even jail sentences.
For business opportunities overseas, cannabis companies must keep forced labor concerns front and center. Obviously, any suggestions that forced labor is being used by a supplier must raise immediate red flags. However, CBP is demanding much more from importers, as those who find themselves the target of a CBP “focused assessment” (audit) are learning.
The necessary work begins at home, with companies establishing proper internal policies on forced labor. Relevant staff must receive training on the subject. Supplier vetting must incorporate forced labor risk assessments. Contracts with suppliers must specifically prohibit the use of forced labor and ensure access to internal or third-party auditors.
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