Li Ning denies the claims made by US Customs and Border Protection

23 March 2022, Mumbai:

Following US authorities' decision to detain Chinese sportswear manufacturer Li Ning's goods on the grounds that the company employs North Korean labor in its supply chain, Li Ning has struck back, calling the claims false and deceptive.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is holding products created or manufactured by Li Ning at all US ports of entry as a result of its inquiry.

CBP said in a statement that such product would not be allowed into the country unless the importer presents clear and persuasive proof that it was not made using prison labor, forced labor, or indentured labor under criminal punishment within 30 days after being detained.

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The item might be seized and forfeited if the corporation fails to present clear and persuasive proof within this window.

"As a professional sports brand firm," Li Ning added, "the Group has a robust corporate governance framework in place, fully complies with China's laws, regulations, and compliance rules, and respects ethical standards."

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In terms of labor exploitation, the sportswear behemoth stated that it absolutely rejects and opposes any sort of forced labor used by its suppliers and that it always supports the human and legal rights of employees, which are the company's key values for working with all suppliers partners.

"To date, the firm has not detected any example of forced labor in the supplier management system during the operation and review process," it claimed.

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CREDITS:  Reuters & Apparel Resources.