Congressional Fury: Anker Under Fire for Alleged Tariff Evasion and Forced Labor Links

A storm is brewing for tech accessories giant Anker Innovations as a powerful U.S. congressional committee demands a thorough investigation into the company's trade practices. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has formally urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to launch a probe into Anker, citing grave concerns over alleged tariff evasion and potential links to forced labor.

At the heart of the allegations are two critical issues.

First, the committee suspects Anker of importing goods that may violate the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), a landmark law designed to prevent products made with forced labor in China's Xinjiang region from entering the U.S. This isn't just a regulatory hurdle; it's a human rights issue with profound implications for corporate responsibility.

Second, the panel accuses Anker of engaging in sophisticated schemes to circumvent Section 301 tariffs, which are duties imposed on a wide range of Chinese-made goods.

The committee's letter to CBP specifically details how Anker allegedly mislabels products, misstates their country of origin, or makes "minor modifications" to components in a third country to falsely claim non-Chinese origin. These practices, if proven, would represent a significant breach of U.S. trade laws and an unfair advantage over compliant competitors.

Adding fuel to the fire, the committee highlighted a startling discovery: a government document from China listing Anker's Shenzhen manufacturing park as participating in "Xinjiang employment." This suggests a potential, albeit indirect, connection to labor programs in a region notorious for forced labor.

While Anker swiftly denied direct operations in Xinjiang or any involvement in forced labor, stating their suppliers do not operate there and they have robust compliance systems, the committee remains unconvinced.

Anker Innovations has vehemently pushed back against these accusations. In a public statement, the company asserted its unwavering commitment to ethical labor practices and strict compliance with U.S.

trade and customs laws. They declared they have "zero tolerance for forced labor" and employ extensive measures, including third-party audits, to ensure their supply chain integrity. Regarding tariffs, Anker reiterated its adherence to all applicable U.S. trade regulations, emphasizing its commitment to transparent and lawful import practices.

This isn't an isolated incident for the House China panel.

The committee has aggressively scrutinised other major companies, including online retailers Temu and Shein, over similar allegations regarding forced labor and supply chain transparency. Their ongoing efforts underscore a broader congressional push to hold companies accountable for their involvement with China, particularly concerning human rights and fair trade.

The outcome of a potential CBP investigation could have far-reaching consequences for Anker, a popular brand known for its power banks, chargers, and other electronic accessories.

It could lead to substantial fines, import restrictions, and significant reputational damage. More broadly, this case serves as a stark reminder to all international businesses about the increasing scrutiny on global supply chains and the critical importance of rigorous due diligence, especially when operating within complex geopolitical landscapes.