On October 20, 2020, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published in the Federal Register a general notice [CBP Dec. 20-17] that the Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, of CBP with the approval of the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, has determined, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1307 and 19 CFR 12.42(f) that stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana) extracts, or glycosides classified under subheading 2938.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), that are mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part by the in the People’s Republic of China by the Inner Mongolia Hengzheng Group Baoanzhao Agriculture, Industry, and Trade Co., Ltd. (also referred to herein as “Baoanzhao”) with the use of convict, forced or indentured labor, are being, or are likely to be, imported into the United States. Previously, on May 20, 2016, CBP issued a withhold release order on “stevia extracts and derivatives” believed to be processed by forced or convict labor in the People’s Republic of China by the Inner Mongolia Hengzheng Group Baoanzhao Agriculture, Industry, and Trade Co., Ltd.
The Finding applies to the subject merchandise that is imported on or after October 20, 2020. It also applies to merchandise which has already been imported and has not been released from CBP custody before October 20, 2020. The entity covered by the finding 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.
