On October 20, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a finding determining that stevia extracts and derivatives, mined, produced, or manufactured in the People’s Republic of China (China) by the Inner Mongolia Hengzheng Group Baoanzhao Agriculture, Industry, and Trade Co., Ltd. (Baoanzhao) with the use of convict, forced or indentured labor, are being, or are likely to be, imported into the United States. Based upon this determination, U.S. port directors may seize the covered merchandise for violation of 19 U.S.C. 1307 (which prohibits the importation of such goods) and commence forfeiture proceedings. This finding applies to any such merchandise that is imported on or after October 20, 2020; or which has already been imported and has not been released from CBP custody before October 20, 2020.
This finding covers stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana) extracts, or glycosides classified under U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 2938.90.0000, that are mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part by Baoanzhao in China. This entity is also known by the following names: The Inner Mongolia Hengzheng Group Baoanzhao Agriculture and Trade Co., Ltd.; the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Prison Administration Bureau Baoanzhao Agriculture and Trade Co., Ltd.; and the Baoanzhao Prison Farm.