U.S. Intensifies UFLPA Enforcement on Lithium-Ion and Energy Storage Imports Amid Rising Scrutiny
ENERGY STORAGE
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has ramped up enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, reviewing over 18,000 shipments valued at approximately $3.81 billion and detaining about 7,325 shipments in fiscal year 2025, with only 6.5% released.
The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force has identified lithium as a high-priority sector due to labor concerns in China's Xinjiang region, leading to increased scrutiny of electronics and automotive parts. Additionally, the Department of Labor has flagged potential child labor risks associated with cobalt used in lithium-ion batteries sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Feb 5, 2026, 6:17 AM