KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 Reuters The United States lifted a 17month import ban on products from Malaysian rubber glove maker Smart Glove, saying the company has addressed exploitative labour practices.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP in November 2021 sanctioned imports from Smart Glove and its group of companies over the alleged use of forced labour at its production facilities.

Smart Glove, which makes gloves used in the medical and food industries, had then said it was opposed to forced labour and committed to the wellbeing of its workers.

In a statement on Wednesday, the CBP said Smart Glove has taken various remediation measures, including repaying recruitment fees borne by migrant workers. Activists say the onerous fees result in debt bondage.

Smart Glove also improved workers39; living conditions, and implemented new workercentered policies and procedures, the CBP said.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Malaysian companies, including some of the world39;s major suppliers of palm oil and medical gloves, have come under increased scrutiny over suspected abuse of foreign workers, a significant part of the country39;s manufacturing workforce.

Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor

Source Reuters