U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a Withhold Release Order (WRO) targeting bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan by Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. The action is based on information indicating the use of forced labor in the company’s production processes.
Effective immediately, CBP will detain imports of these goods from Giant. This is the third WRO issued by the agency in 2025 and the fourth for Fiscal Year 2025, pursuant to violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1307, which prohibits entry of goods made with forced labor into the United States.
“CBP has a proven track record of cracking down on companies that use forced labor to the detriment of law-abiding U.S. businesses,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
The agency identified several International Labour Organization indicators of forced labor during its investigation into Giant’s operations. According to CBP, Giant profited by using abusive practices that led to products being produced below market value, negatively affecting American businesses through unfair competition.
The International Labour Organization estimates that nearly 28 million workers globally are subjected to conditions of forced labor.
“Importers have a responsibility to do their due diligence and know their supply chains,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade Susan S. Thomas. “CBP will continue to investigate allegations of forced labor and take action when we find it in U.S. supply chains.”
With this order, CBP is now enforcing a total of 53 active WROs and nine Findings under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.
When there is evidence that imported goods are produced with forced labor, CBP issues detention orders for those shipments at U.S. ports of entry. Importers whose goods are detained may opt to destroy or export them or attempt to prove that their merchandise complies with U.S. laws regarding admissibility.
CBP receives reports about suspected forced labor from various sources including government agencies, media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and members of the public. Allegations can be submitted through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency, responsible for protecting national security while supporting lawful travel and trade.
