The US Senate Finance Committee chairman has broadened BMW’s probe after the automaker imported automobiles using banned Chinese parts.
Sen. Ron Wyden wrote to BMW North America asking if the company has discontinued importing components made by China’s Uyghur minority in forced labor.
A request for feedback from BMW Group was delayed.
BMW says it “took steps to halt the importation of affected products” last month.
Senator Wyden’s office found at least 8,000 BMW Mini Cooper automobiles containing illegal parts imported into the US after a two-year investigation.
According to the report, the autos had Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group components.
Senator Wyden’s letter asked, “Is BMW certain that it is not currently importing vehicles containing JWD components?” by June 21.
The study also included the Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen.
The US Congress passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in 2021.
The law bans imports from Xinjiang, where most Uyghurs live.
JWD joined the UFLPA Entity List in December 2023, implying forced labor in its products.
Recent charges accuse China of detaining over one million Uyghurs in Xinjiang against their will.
Beijing denies all Xinjiang human rights abuses.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the UFLPA “harms the survival and employment rights of the people in Xinjiang.”
