US lifts import ban on Malaysian gloves maker

Washington – The US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) has lifted a 17-month import ban on products from Malaysian rubber gloves maker Smart Gloves.

In an announcement, the CBP said Smart Glove had demonstrated that its products “are no longer produced in whole or in part with forced labour.”

“Effective immediately, CBP will allow Smart Glove shipments to enter US commerce,” declared the agency's statement, issued 26 April.

The Smart Glove group includes: Smart Glove Corp.; GX Corp.; GX3 Speciality Plant; Sigma Glove Industries; and Platinum Glove Industries.

CBP issued a 'withhold release order' (WRO) in November 2021 against the group due to the alleged use of forced labour at its production facilities.

According to the US agency, the gloves maker has taken various measures to address the indicators of forced labour that prompted the WRO.

Remediation efforts included repayment of recruitment fees, improvements to living conditions, and implementation of new worker-centred policies and procedures.

"CBP’s decision reflects our cooperation and transparency in an area of substantial importance to Smart Glove," said a release from the Malaysian group.

"We have worked with multiple stakeholders and advisors in taking steps to align policies and procedures with globally-recognized best practices," added Smart Glove.

Founded in 1995, Smart Glove produces nitrile, latex and other rubber gloves for industries including medical, food and cleanroom at facilities in Malaysia and Indonesia.