§212 Child Labor Provisions

Summary

Producers, manufacturers, and dealers must not ship goods made in U.S. workplaces where oppressive child labor was used within thirty days before the goods were removed. If a buyer honestly relied on a written promise that the goods were made lawfully and had no notice of a violation, that shipment is allowed. If someone is found guilty for such a shipment, that conviction prevents further prosecutions for earlier shipments of the same goods. The Secretary of Labor must investigate and inspect child labor cases under section 211(a), and, under the Attorney General’s direction, bring actions under section 217 to stop unlawful practices and enforce this chapter. Employers must not use oppressive child labor in commerce or in making goods for commerce, and the Secretary may require employers to get proof of age from employees.