Senate Inquiry Finds BMW Imported Cars Tied to Forced Labor in China

A Senate inquiry revealed that BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen used parts from a Chinese supplier involved in forced labor in Xinjiang. Despite warnings, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover continued imports into the U.S., violating American law. The investigation underscores challenges in enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which aims to block imports from Xinjiang unless proven free of forced labor.

After being informed in writing about the presence of banned products in their supply chains due to the involvement of a Chinese supplier in forced labor practices, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen responded differently:

1. BMW continued to import at least 8,000 MINI vehicles that contained the parts from the flagged Chinese supplier into the United States46. This action occurred even after the supplier was added to a U.S. government list of companies participating in forced labor in December.

2. Jaguar Land Rover also continued to import components made by the Chinese company into the United States, despite being informed of the violations46.

3. Volkswagen, in contrast, took proactive steps to address the issue. The company voluntarily disclosed to U.S. customs agents that cars then in transit to the United States contained the banned parts4. Volkswagen arranged to replace these parts at U.S. ports before the vehicles entered the country, demonstrating a more compliant and corrective approach compared to BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.