Final Section 301 actions in 60 investigations concerning economies that failed to impose and/or effectively enforce forced-labor import prohibitions.

A Section 301 measure is a U.S. trade action taken after the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) determines that a foreign government’s practice, policy, or failure to act is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens U.S. commerce. In this context, the measure concerns economies that allegedly did not impose or effectively enforce import prohibitions against goods made with forced labor. A final action may apply additional duties or other trade measures, as specified in the official notice.

The measure typically affects importers bringing covered products into the United States from the listed economies, including products made through complex supply chains. It matters because an importer may face an additional Section 301 duty or another stated requirement, while separately remaining subject to U.S. forced-labor enforcement, including possible detention or exclusion by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Section 301 treatment and forced-labor admissibility are related policy issues but are not the same legal check.

What to check

• Read the official Section 301 notice to confirm the covered economy, product scope, tariff classification, exclusions, and measure type.
• Classify the merchandise correctly under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), and verify whether the listed tariff subheading matches the actual product.
• Trace the product’s country of origin and supply chain, including components, processing locations, and suppliers; do not rely only on the shipping country.
• Check CBP forced-labor guidance and maintain supply-chain due diligence records, such as supplier certifications, production records, and origin documentation.
• Confirm the applicable entry reporting and duty treatment with a customs broker or trade counsel when the product, origin, or supply chain is uncertain.