US Blacklists Major Chinese Biotech Firms Over Xinjiang Forced Labor Allegations
The US has banned imports from BGI Genomics and MGI Tech, adding them to the UFLPA list over alleged ties to forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — The United States government has officially barred imports from three prominent Chinese genomics companies, citing their alleged involvement in forced labor practices targeting Uyghurs and other minority groups in the Xinjiang region.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the addition of BGI Genomics, MGI Tech, and Shenzhen BGI Technology—collectively recognized as the BGI Group—to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. This regulatory action effectively prohibits the entry of goods from these firms into the American market, effective October 29, 2026.
Under the new restrictions, importers are prohibited from bringing products from these entities into the U.S. unless they can provide rigorous evidence to rebut the presumption that the goods were produced using forced labor. This expansion brings the total number of entities on the UFLPA list to 190.
Federal Register notices indicate that the decision stems from the companies’ purported collaboration with Xinjiang authorities regarding labor matters involving ethnic minorities. While the move significantly impacts biotech supply chains, MGI Tech has formally rejected the allegations, noting that its operations within the United States represent a limited portion of its business.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
