Thermo Fisher Halts DNA Kit Sales in Tibet Amid Human Rights Concerns

The US biotech company's decision follows similar action in Xinjiang in 2019, as lawmakers urge wider halt in sales across China.

Thermo Fisher, a US biotech company, has halted the sale of its DNA identification kits in Tibet due to concerns over potential human rights abuses.
The decision was made in mid-2023 following complaints from rights groups and investors, but was only revealed to investors recently.
Human rights experts have raised concerns about surveillance in Tibet, likening the situation to that in Xinjiang, where authorities are accused of building a DNA database for Uyghur Muslims.
In 2019, Thermo Fisher stopped selling its DNA kits in Xinjiang, citing its ethics code.
Lawmakers and rights advocates have applauded Thermo Fisher's decision but are urging the company to halt the sale of all DNA collection kits to all of China.