BMW and Jaguar were found to have utilized banned Chinese parts in a US probe.

According to a report from the US congressional report, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Volkswagen (VW) used parts from a supplier linked to alleged forced labor in China.

The report highlighted that around 8,000 BMW Mini Cooper cars imported into the US contained components from the banned Chinese firm Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group (JWD).

Senate Finance Committee chairman Ron Wyden criticized automakers’ self-policing efforts, stating that they were inadequate. BMW stated that it had stringent standards for its suppliers regarding employment practices and human rights and had taken steps to address the issue.

Jaguar Land Rover affirmed its commitment to human rights and anti-slavery measures. VW did not immediately respond to inquiries. The report urged US Customs and Border Protection to enhance enforcement against companies involved in forced labor. Jaguar Land Rover admitted importing spare parts that included components from JWD and pledged to destroy any remaining stock worldwide.

VW had previously disclosed issues with components in some vehicles, and it voluntarily informed customs officials. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), passed in 2021, aims to prevent the import of goods believed to be made by forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. JWD was added to the UFLPA Entity List in December 2023. China has rejected accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, calling the UFLPA an attack on Chinese enterprises.