US Bars Imports From Three Chinese Genomics Firms

DHS announced on October 28 that BGI Group, BGI Genomics and MGI Tech were added to the UFLPA Entity List. CBP can block imports from the companies unless they prove the products were not made with forced labor. DHS said it had credible information, including corporate and government reporting, that the firms supported genetic testing in Xinjiang. The department stated that the collection and analysis of genetic material facilitate the monitoring, surveillance, and repression of ethnic minorities by the government of the People's Republic of China, including the abhorrent practice of forced labor. CONTESTED BGI Group said in a statement that it "has not engaged in any form of forced labor." It added that "we firmly oppose all forms of forced labor." BGI Genomics said its U.S. business is limited and expects no significant impact. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. urged retraction of the action, saying the forced labor issue is being used to suppress Chinese companies. Related pressure includes WuXi AppTec's June addition to a Defense Department blacklist over alleged military ties. WuXi denied military connections and filed a lawsuit. A U.S. court issued a preliminary injunction in August. Congress is working on the BioSecure Act. An August expansion brought the UFLPA list to 187 entities. Biden signed the law at the end of 2021.