U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on automobile tires produced by Linglong International Europe D.O.O. Zrenjanin, a Serbian manufacturer. Effective immediately, CBP officers at all U.S. ports of entry will detain shipments of these tires due to evidence suggesting the use of forced labor in their production.
“The message is clear—the United States will not tolerate forced labor in supply chains,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
This action marks the fifth WRO issued by CBP in 2025 and the second for Fiscal Year 2026. The order was made under 19 U.S.C. § 1307, which prohibits goods made with forced labor from entering the United States. When evidence indicates that imported products are made using forced labor, CBP can detain those shipments through WROs.
“Americans should not have to compete with products made through exploitation,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of CBP’s Office of Trade. “By preventing forced-labor goods from entering U.S. commerce, CBP helps ensure American workers and businesses compete on a level playing field.”
The decision follows a CBP investigation that included worker statements, photographs, employment contracts, focus group notes, text message screenshots, reports from non-government organizations, news media coverage, and academic research. The evidence showed that workers at Linglong were subject to nine indicators of forced labor as defined by the International Labour Organization: retention of identity documents, intimidation and threats, isolation, excessive overtime, withholding wages, debt bondage, abusive living and working conditions, deception, and abuse of vulnerability.
CBP found reasonable suspicion that work at Linglong was performed involuntarily and under threat of penalty. Trade import data also indicated that these tires are being or are likely to be imported into the United States.
With this latest order against Linglong International Europe D.O.O., CBP now enforces 55 WROs and nine Findings under 19 U.S.C. § 1307 as part of its ongoing efforts to combat forced labor in supply chains.
Importers whose shipments are detained may choose to destroy or export their goods or provide proof that their merchandise was not produced with forced labor.
CBP encourages individuals or organizations who suspect merchandise produced with forced labor is being imported into the United States to report allegations through its e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization responsible for border management and trade enforcement.
