Malaysia’s Smart Glove to look into forced labour claims after US import ban
- US Customs authorities said this week they had evidence that indicated Smart Glove was involved in the ‘inhumane practice’
- The ban makes the firm the 5th Malaysian glovemaker to face US sanctions related to labour rights issues, with Top Glove and Supermax having faced similar penalties
Malaysia’s Smart Glove on Saturday said it was opposed to forced labour and committed to the well-being of its workers, after the United States banned imports from the rubber glove maker for alleged forced labour practices.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Thursday issued a “Withhold Release Order” prohibiting imports from Smart Glove and its group of companies, citing what the CBP called reasonable evidence that indicated “Smart Glove production facilities utilise forced labour”.
“Manufacturers, like Smart Glove, who fail to abide by our laws will face consequences as we root out this inhumane practice from the US supply chain,” said Troy Miller, acting commissioner for the CBP.
In an emailed statement, Smart Glove said it had contacted CBP to obtain more information about the ban and that it would look to resolve the action.
“Smart Glove stands against forced labour and is committed to all of our workers’ health, safety and well-being; and we remain dedicated to their welfare,” it said.
Malaysian factories – which make everything from palm oil to medical gloves and iPhone components – have come under increasing scrutiny over allegations of abuse of foreign workers.
Malaysia is Southeast Asia’s third wealthiest country, measured per capita, and its factories and plantations have long been a draw for millions of workers from poorer neighbours such as Indonesia and Myanmar.
Malaysian factory owners have repeatedly complained of worker shortages since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as the government has kept the border closed since March last year.
Malaysia’s Top Glove says US has lifted import ban over forced labour
The ban makes Smart Glove the fifth Malaysian glovemaker to face US sanctions related to labour rights issues since the Covid-19 crisis hit.
Supermax Corp, banned last month, has said it will speed up a process it had begun in 2019 to meet International Labour Organization standards on workers’ welfare.
Top Glove – the world’s largest latex glove maker – was barred by the CBP last July. The ban was lifted last month after the company resolved the labour issues.
Malaysian factories make over 60 per cent of the world’s disposable gloves, including domestic-use rubber versions as well as the medical variants that have been in high demand due to the pandemic.
