Human Hair Extensions and wigs produced by slaves seized by US Government

13-ton of human hair extensions and wigs made in China are seized by customs officers in Newark, NJ. The customs officers suspect the hair extensions and wigs are produced by forced prison and child labour, or slavery, in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. The total value of the hair products is over 800,000 us dollars.

Shipment of human hair linked to the Uyghur concentration camps

The US based news channel fox news reported about this seizure of the human hair extensions and wigs on the 1st of July. But the story has been reported by several other agencies too, like Egypt Independent.
A spokesman for the National Security Council said: “If this highly suspicious, 13-ton shipment of human hair indeed turns out to be linked to the Uyghur concentration camps, then this is a new low – even for the Chinese Communist Party – and they will have to answer to the world community for their actions,”

2 shipments of Human Hair Extensions and wigs

On the 17th of June, an order was published to hold products manufactured by Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. ltd. This company is based in South Korea according to US Customs.
This is the second time this year that Customs and Border Patrol seized a shipments of Chinese sourced hair extensions and wigs. Again, based on suspicions of slavery. The orders are used to hold shipping containers at the US ports of entry until the agency can investigate the claims.

Wednesday’s shipment was made by Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd. In May, a similar detention was placed on Hetian Haolin Hair Accessories Co. Ltd., although those weaves were synthetic, not human, the agency said. Hetian Haolin’s products were imported by Os Hair in Duluth, Georgia, and I & I Hair, headquartered in Dallas. I & I’s weaves are sold under the Innocence brand to salons and individuals around the US.

The Chinese Ministry of Affairs has said there is no forced labor, nor detention of ethnic minorities.

Check the origin and inform your clients

Clients might be more aware of the importance to know where the hair is sourced from and about the conditions under which the human hair extensions and wigs have been produced. It is important to inform your clients the mentioned shipments are under investigation and there is no clear proof the hair is the product of slavery.
When purchasing hair, add the question about the source of the hair to your list. It is extremely important you can show your clients your company does not want to be involved in any kind of slavery or human rights abuse.
What do you know about the origin of the hair you sell (or bought)? Leave a comment.