Dealing with sweatshops is risky. Sweatshops put this predictable supply at risk, because there is always the chance that production will be shut down, either by local government officials finding labor violations or by workers protesting their working conditions. In fact, in the United States the Department of Labor can prevent retailers from receiving goods made in factories violating the law. Such a disruption in supply is a risk no retailer wants to take. The truth is, there has not been a single instance where a US retailer was shown to be doing business knowingly with suppliers who use sweatshops.
Retailers can enforce labor laws in the countries from which they source.
Retailers cannot impose labor laws on countries, nor can they guarantee that the laws will be enforced. Retailers are working with governments around the world to assist them in enforcing the local labor laws. The retailers' efforts include training programs for workers and managers that educate them about the laws. In the United States especially, the Department of Labor often contacts retailers when they find a violation by a supplier to ask for assistance in persuading the supplier to pay back wages promptly. Finally, retailers will often notify the appropriate enforcement agencies when they find evidence of labor law violations.