On February 3, 2023, in a press release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the modification of its Forced Labor Finding on Sime Darby Plantation Berhad in Malaysia. Effective immediately, CBP “will allow shipments containing Sime Darby-produced palm oil and derivatives to enter the U.S. commerce.” According to the press release, the modification is based on evidence that the palm oil and its derivative products are no longer produced using forced labor.

The press release can be found here:

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-modifies-finding-sime-darby-plantation-berhad-malaysia

The Federal Register Notice can be found here:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/03/2023-02286/determination-that-maintenance-of-finding-of-january-28-2022-pertaining-to-certain-palm-oil-and

CBP’s forced labor resources can be found here:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor/withhold-release-orders-and-findings

More information on forced labor can be found on our website here:

https://www.expeditors.com/services/customs-compliance/forced-labor-enforcement-actions