A U.S. Senate report released on Monday revealed that German automaker BMW imported over 8,000 Mini Cooper vehicles into the United States with electronic components sourced from a banned Chinese supplier.

The report, from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden’s staff, disclosed that BMW continued importing products with these banned parts until at least April, despite a 2021 law prohibiting such imports.

BMW Group responded, stating they have ceased importing affected products and will conduct a service action to replace the specific parts.

The company emphasized its adherence to strict standards regarding employment practices and human rights for all direct suppliers, CNBC has reported.

The report highlighted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), passed in 2021 to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labor from China’s Xinjiang region.

The report underscored the need for increased enforcement and urged Customs and Border Protection to take action against companies supporting forced labor practices.

Bourns Inc., a California-based auto supplier, was found to have sourced components from Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group (JWD), which was added to the UFLPA Entity List in December due to suspected forced labor involvement.

Written by B.C. Begley