New CBP Forced Labor Allegation Portal: What Importers Need to Know

If you’re an importer concerned about risk exposure or have already been contacted by CBP, now is the time to review your supply chain and ensure you have the right compliance strategies in place. Click the button below to schedule an intake meeting with our office.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new online Forced Labor Allegation Portal, streamlining how individuals and organizations can report suspected forced labor in U.S. supply chains. The portal reflects the government’s continued emphasis on combating forced labor through trade enforcement and puts more pressure on importers to understand the risks in their global sourcing practices.

A New System for a Growing Priority

The new portal, available at flallegation.cbp.gov, is now the primary method for submitting forced labor allegations to CBP. It replaces prior submission processes and is intended to increase transparency, consistency, and speed in reviewing and acting on allegations. Submissions must contain sufficient detail to support a potential enforcement action under CBP’s forced labor authorities.

What Happens After an Allegation is Submitted?

CBP will not publicly disclose submitted allegations unless it determines that enforcement action is warranted after an internal review. This means businesses may not be aware of allegations until enforcement has already been initiated, such as through the issuance of a Withhold Release Order (WRO) or the seizure of merchandise. To avoid disruption, importers need to be proactive, not reactive, in addressing forced labor risks.

What Allegations Must Include

The portal’s Quick Reference Guide outlines the types of information needed to support an allegation. Submitters must clearly describe the merchandise involved, explain the presence of forced labor indicators such as coercion, debt bondage, or child labor, and identify the relevant entities in the supply chain, such as producers, harvesters, or manufacturers. Supporting documentation or publicly available evidence is strongly encouraged. While vague or incomplete allegations are unlikely to lead to action, detailed submissions backed by credible documentation may result in serious consequences for offenders.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Forced labor enforcement has become a top priority for CBP. Companies found to have goods produced with forced labor in their supply chain may face detention or exclusion of goods at U.S. ports, seizure and forfeiture of shipments, and the loss of trusted trader status. In addition to legal and financial exposure, companies may also suffer reputational damage and related downstream risks. Importers are expected to exercise reasonable care and conduct thorough supply chain due diligence. With the launch of the new portal, the bar for what constitutes “reasonable care” continues to rise.

How We Can Help

Our firm assists companies in highly regulated industries, including those involved in global trade, manufacturing, and sourcing, with customs compliance strategies and responses to CBP enforcement actions. We help businesses conduct forced labor risk assessments, develop due diligence and traceability protocols, and respond to WROs, detentions, or seizure notices. If allegations are made against your company, we can also communicate with CBP on your behalf and help protect your supply chain and business operations. Click the button below to schedule an intake meeting with our office.

Schedule Intake Meeting

Have questions? Give our office a call today at (917) 546-6997 or schedule an intake meeting, we would be happy to speak with you.

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