U.S. bans imports from three Chinese genomics firms

The United States banned imports from three major Chinese genomics companies on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security added BGI Group, BGI Genomics, and MGI Tech to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, with the import block taking effect on Thursday.

The action is based on allegations that the companies sourced materials from Xinjiang or collaborated with authorities to recruit or transport forced labor. The DHS also stated the firms helped collect genetic material to operate a mass surveillance system targeting ethnic minorities subjected to forced labor. DHS Under Secretary Rob Law said the companies show an unwillingness to separate profit motives from human dignity. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the U.S. refused to let companies tied to forced labor and surveillance profit from the American market.

Allegations center on forced labor and genetic surveillance in Xinjiang

The U.S. alleges BGI Group and BGI Genomics conduct genetic testing in Xinjiang and work with the government to facilitate forced labor. MGI Tech is accused of providing equipment and support to the government for testing in the region. This move shows biotechnology as an emerging front in U.S.-China economic and tech competition. The ban targets a range of goods from the companies, including cotton, canned tomatoes, electronics, and equipment.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed by President Joe Biden in December 2021, prohibits imports made with forced labor from Xinjiang. The Entity List now includes 187 entities, with 43 Chinese companies added in August under the same law. The Pentagon has separately designated BGI Group, BGI Genomics, and MGI Tech as Chinese military companies. U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about BGI Group's alleged government ties and its access to vast genetic data sets.

Chinese officials reject claims as political retaliation

China's government condemned the ban. The Ministry of Commerce called it an act of political manipulation and bullying under the guise of protecting human rights. "China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its interests," the ministry said. China denied all allegations of forced labor and internment camps in Xinjiang, stating the region enjoys stability and prosperity. The country's embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of making attacks and smears.

The banned companies also rejected the allegations. BGI Group stated it has not engaged in any form of forced labor and firmly opposes all forms of forced labor. It noted that U.S. business constitutes a limited part of its operations. MGI Tech similarly stated its opposition to forced labor.

Broader context of tech and trade tensions

The ban occurs during a fragile U.S.-China trade truce and amid wider scrutiny of technology sectors. Other technologies under similar scrutiny include artificial intelligence and computer chips. The Trump administration proposed new rules last week to restrict U.S. investment in Chinese biotechnology companies. Also, Congress passed a provision at the end of last year requesting a list of 'biotechnology companies of concern' be compiled.

In a related trade dispute, China banned imports of sequencing equipment from U.S.-based Illumina in March 2025. While China's Ministry of Commerce later said it would lift that ban, Illumina remains on China's Unreliable Entities List. The United Nations warned in 2022 of possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, including the detention of more than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The import ban on the three Chinese biotech firms takes effect on Thursday.