US Customs bans copper imports from Serbia due to suspicion of forced labor

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as stated on its official website, has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against Serbia Zijin Copper, which relates to copper and copper products manufactured in Serbia.

It is indicated that the Decision is effective immediately, and CBP officers will detain shipments of these products at all ports of entry in the United States, due to evidence indicating the possible use of forced labor in their production.

This, as stated on the website, is the fourth such order issued in fiscal year 2026, and was issued for violating Section 1307 of the US Customs Act, which prohibits the import of goods produced using forced labor.

It is emphasized that, when CBP has evidence that imported goods were produced in such a way, the agency takes action and detains shipments via a WRO.

– US manufacturers face unfair competition when foreign companies cut costs by using forced labor – said CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas. – By enforcing our laws against forced labor, CBP safeguards human rights as well as our nation’s economic security.

The order, as noted, is the result of a CBP investigation and analysis of information indicating that Serbia Zijin Copper produces copper and copper products using forced labor.

– CBP analyzed the following supporting evidence: worker statements, photographs, focus group field notes, text message screenshots, open-source non-government organization reports, news media, and academic research – it is clarified.

Evidence points to six indicators of forced labor

According to CBP, the evidence collected indicates that “workers at Serbia Zijin are subject to six International Labor Organization indicators of forced labor: abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages, intimidation and threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, and excessive overtime.”

Based on these facts, it is stated that US authorities believe that there is a reasonable suspicion that workers are working against their will and under threat of punishment. It goes on to say that import data also shows that these products are being imported or could be imported into the US.

– The WRO against Serbia Zijin highlights CBP’s continued efforts to combat forced labor. With this action, CBP now oversees and enforces 56 WROs and eight Findings under 19 U.S.C. § 1307 – it is said.

Importers whose shipments are detained can “either destroy or export their shipments, or they may seek to demonstrate that the merchandise was not produced with forced labor.”

It also adds that CBP receives information about possible forced labor from various sources, including government agencies, the media, non-governmental organizations and citizens.

– Any person or organization that has reason to believe merchandise produced with forced labor is being, or is likely to be, imported into the United States can report allegations through CBP’s Forced Labor Allegation Portal – it is said.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement organization in the United States and the first unified border management agency in the world.

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