Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Jon Ossoff have introduced the Detection and Exclusion of Negligent, Illicit, and Extralegal Deliveries (DENIED) Act. This legislation aims to tackle fentanyl trafficking, protect against unsafe counterfeits, and prevent the importation of products made with forced labor into the United States.

Senator Blackburn stated, "Foreign criminals and shady businesses exploit vulnerabilities in our trade system to import products made with forced labor, slip counterfeit goods into U.S. markets, and smuggle drugs across the southern border." She emphasized the need for stronger efforts to prevent unethical imports, adding that the DENIED Act would combat the fentanyl epidemic and protect U.S. intellectual property.

Senator Ossoff remarked on the bipartisan nature of the bill: "Senator Blackburn and I are introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen enforcement against imports tainted by forced labor and illegal trade practices."

The de minimis entry process allows imports valued under $800 to enter duty-free through a streamlined inspection process. While many businesses comply with regulations, some exploit this process to import products made with forced labor or smuggle drugs like fentanyl into the country.

The DENIED Act proposes several measures to address these issues. It would empower Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create a "Denied Parties List," barring companies that repeatedly facilitate unethical imports from using the de minimis process. The Treasury Secretary would publish this list every 90 days.

Additionally, CBP would be authorized to enhance data collection on de minimis imports in coordination with the United States Postal Service. Violators could face fines starting at $1,000 for first offenses, increasing for repeat violations.

The legislation has received endorsements from organizations such as Shatterproof, Uyghur Human Rights Project, Campaign for Uyghurs, and Citizen Power Initiatives for China.

Kevin Roy of Shatterproof commented on the importance of stopping fentanyl flow: "This legislation enhances CBP’s capacity to combat illegal imports by closing smuggling loopholes."

Omer Kanat from Uyghur Human Rights Project expressed gratitude for addressing forced labor concerns: "Companies profiting from Uyghur forced labor are now on notice."

Rushan Abbas of Campaign for Uyghurs praised measures ensuring accountability in global supply chains: "We believe this Act not only strengthens safeguards against forced labor but also underscores the United States’ commitment to upholding human rights."

Dr. Jianli Yang of Citizen Power Initiatives for China endorsed the act as a crucial step toward safeguarding human rights: "By closing loopholes in the de minimis entry process...America will not tolerate exploitation."