The US Department of Homeland Security added BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known as BGI Group, to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List on Wednesday.
The designation directs US authorities to block goods associated with the listed companies unless importers can rebut the legal presumption that the goods were produced using forced labour.
According to US officials, the companies were involved in genetic testing and related activities in Xinjiang that allegedly helped authorities monitor and control Uyghurs and other persecuted ethnic groups. Washington says the action is intended to prevent goods linked to forced labour from entering the American market.
The companies and Chinese authorities have rejected the allegations. BGI Group said it had not engaged in forced labour, while MGI Tech also denied the claims. Beijing condemned the restrictions and accused Washington of using human rights concerns to suppress Chinese businesses.
The decision comes amid wider US-China tensions over biotechnology, trade and national security. It also adds to existing concerns in Washington about the handling of genetic data and the potential use of biotechnology for surveillance.
The restrictions are part of the US government’s broader effort to enforce its forced-labour import law. The allegations remain disputed by the affected companies and China.
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The United States has moved to block imports from three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour and genetic surveillance in Xinjiang. Beijing and the affected firms have rejected the allegations, describing the US action as unjustified. The United States has imposed import restrictions on three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour involving...
Key takeaways
- The United States has moved to block imports from three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour and genetic surveillance in Xinjiang.
- Beijing and the affected firms have rejected the allegations, describing the US action as unjustified.
- The United States has imposed import restrictions on three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour involving ethnic minorities in China’s Xinjiang region, escalating scrutiny of Beijing’s biotechnology sector.The US Department of Homeland Security added BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known as BGI Group, to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List on Wednesday.The designation directs US authorities to block goods associated with the listed companies unless importers can rebut the legal presumption that the goods were produced using forced labour.According to US officials, the companies were involved in genetic testing and related activities in Xinjiang that allegedly helped authorities monitor and control Uyghurs and other persecuted ethnic groups.
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The United States has moved to block imports from three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour and genetic surveillance in Xinjiang. Beijing and the affected firms have rejected the allegations, describing the US action as unjustified. The United States has imposed import restrictions on three Chinese genomics companies over alleged links to forced labour involving...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 29, 2026
