Special Feature - Forced Labor Enforcement Update
Forced Labor is a global problem that compromises fair trade, harming businesses and consumers. The U.S. defines forced labor as “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance, and for which the worker does not offer themselves voluntarily.” CBP is committed to fighting forced labor.
CBP recently issued a Withold Release Order (WRO) against apparel and textiles manufactured by Firemount Group in Mauritius, an island country east of Madagascar. Goods subject to WROs and Findings are not allowed entry into the U.S. A Finding is a determination by CBP that merchandise is produced by forced labor. While WRO requires reasonable suspicion, a Finding requires probable cause.
To date, there are 54 WROs and 9 Findings. Nearly 7,400 shipments have been stopped for Forced Labor between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 involving approximately $165M in entry value.
Compliance is essential to prevent penalties, delays, or cargo seizures and to keep the Customs bond in good standing. Any concerns regarding forced labor should be reported to CBP, and reports can be submitted anonymously. For additional details, please refer to the link below.