BMW Mini Coopers imported with banned parts from Chinese supplier

A US congressional statement has stated that BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Volkswagen (VW) used parts produced by a supplier on a list of companies banned over alleged ties to Chinese forced labor.

Senate Report Unveils Violations

A report by the staff of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden revealed that at least 8,000 BMW Mini Cooper cars were imported into the US containing components from Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group (JWD), a Chinese supplier banned under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) of 2021. 

Senator Wyden criticized the effectiveness of automakers’ self-policing efforts, stating, “Automakers’ self-policing is clearly not doing the job.”

Responses from Automakers

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) responded to the report, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and anti-slavery measures. 

The company stated that it has identified and is in the process of destroying any stock that includes components from JWD. BMW and Volkswagen (VW) did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

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Call for Increased Enforcement

Wyden urged the US Customs and Border Protection agency to intensify its enforcement efforts against companies using forced labor in China. He emphasized the need for stricter measures to prevent the importation of goods produced under such conditions.

Other Implicated Automakers

The report also noted that Jaguar Land Rover had imported spare parts containing components from JWD after the company was placed on the banned list. JLR has taken steps to remove these components from their inventory globally. 

In a related issue, VW disclosed in February that thousands of its vehicles, including Porsches and Bentleys, had been detained by authorities for containing components that violated US anti-forced labor laws. VW had proactively informed customs officials about the problem.

Legislative Background and Human Rights Concerns

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, passed by Congress in 2021, aims to prevent the importation of goods believed to be produced through forced labor by the Uyghur minority in China’s Xinjiang region. 

JWD was added to the UFLPA Entity List in December 2023, meaning its products are presumed to be made with forced labor.

Allegations and Denials

China has faced accusations of detaining over one million Uyghurs in Xinjiang in recent years, allegedly subjecting them to forced labor. However, Chinese authorities have consistently denied all allegations of human rights abuses in the region.