U.S. CBP issues withhold release order against Serbian tire manufacturer
Evidence of forced labor in production
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today issued a withhold release order (WRO) against certain automobile tires manufactured in Serbia due to evidence of forced labor in the company’s production. Effective immediately, CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain shipments of these tires.
According to the CBP release, the WRO is the result of a CBP investigation that reviewed evidence including worker statements, photographs, employment contracts, and other documentation indicating forced labor practices. CBP identified nine International Labour Organization indicators of forced labor, such as retention of identity documents, intimidation, excessive overtime, and abusive conditions.