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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 20, 2026Miami-Dade

Senator Wyden questions CBP over lifting import ban on Central Romana Corporation sugar

Senator Ron Wyden is demanding an explanation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the decision to lift a 2022 import ban on sugar products from Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. The inquiry follows a new report from Corporate Accountability Lab alleging that forced labor practices persist in Dominican Republic sugarcane fields.

trade policylabor rightsimport regulationoversightsugar industry
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Why It Matters

The inquiry addresses whether U.S. trade enforcement mechanisms are being influenced by political factors, potentially allowing goods produced under conditions to enter the American supply chain.

Key Facts

  • In 2022, CBP banned imports from Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. citing forced labor and abusive working conditions.
  • The import ban was lifted last year during the Trump administration.
  • Corporate Accountability Lab released a report on Tuesday alleging that forced labor persists in Dominican Republic sugarcane fields.
  • Senator Ron Wyden sent a formal letter to CBP on Thursday requesting administrative records and justifications for the ban's revocation.
  • Wyden alleges the agency may have bypassed standard administrative procedures for politically connected corporations.
  • The Corporate Accountability Lab report is the result of over three years of investigation.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCentral Romana Corporation, Ltd.“Company previously subject to an import ban due to forced labor allegations.”organizationU.S. Customs and Border Protection“Federal agency responsible for trade enforcement and import bans.”personRon Wyden“Democratic Senator from Oregon requesting information from CBP.”organizationCorporate Accountability Lab“Non-profit organization that published a report on forced labor in the Dominican”personDonald Trump“President under whose administration the import ban was lifted.”