U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a modification to the Withhold Release Order (WRO) placed on FGV Holdings Berhad, a Malaysian palm oil producer. Effective January 15, 2026, palm oil and related products from FGV will no longer be detained at U.S. ports of entry and can now enter the United States if they comply with all other applicable laws.
The decision follows actions taken by FGV to address forced labor issues identified in its supply chain. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott stated, “Responsible trade must protect the people behind the product, not put them at risk. When our review showed that FGV’s shipments weren’t meeting U.S. standards, we took action to stop them. The company has now made the corrections we required, and this modification helps keep our supply chains fair, secure and accountable.”
This is CBP’s first WRO modification for fiscal year 2026. Since 2019, the agency has issued or modified eight WROs and Findings concerning palm oil and glove manufacturing sectors in Malaysia. These enforcement efforts have resulted in companies repaying over $85 million in withheld wages and recruitment fees to workers who were subject to debt bondage.
CBP only modifies WROs or Findings after obtaining evidence that a company no longer uses forced labor in producing goods destined for the U.S.
Susan S. Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade, said: “By restoring the true value of labor through these reimbursements, we are doing more than leveling the playing field for American businesses. We are affirming the inherent dignity of workers who have been exploited by these companies.” She added that during Human Trafficking Prevention Month this action demonstrates CBP’s commitment to enforcing laws against forced labor.
The original WRO was issued on September 30, 2020 after evidence suggested that working conditions at FGV exposed employees to all eleven International Labour Organization indicators of forced labor. Following this order, FGV implemented measures to identify and prevent such practices using established processes allowing interested parties to request modifications from CBP.
Individuals or organizations suspecting imports produced with forced labor can report allegations through CBP’s e-Allegations Online Trade Violation Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization responsible for ensuring safe travel and trade while protecting national security across land borders, airspace, and maritime domains.
