U.S. CBP issues withhold release order on Korean salt farm
CBP will detain imports of sea salt products produced using forced labor.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) yesterday issued a withhold release order (WRO) against a South Korean salt farm due to evidence of forced labor in the production of its sea salt products. Effective immediately, CBP will detain these products at all U.S. ports of entry.
According to the CBP release (April 3, 2025), the investigation revealed forced labor indicators including abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, abusive living and working conditions, intimidation and threats, physical violence, debt bondage, withholding of wages, and excessive overtime.