On the 18th December U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order against car tyres manufactured in Serbia by Linglong International Europe D.O.O. Zrenjanin (Linglong). Effective immediately, CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain shipments of these tyres due to what the CBP says is evidence reasonably indicating the use of forced labour in their production.
Linglong Refutes US Allegations
“The message is clear—the United States will not tolerate forced labour in supply chains,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
Chinese manufacturers have had around 37 WROs made against them over the years, many of which are based around violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1307, the law prohibiting goods made with forced labour from entering the United States. When CBP has evidence which it considers indicate that imported goods are made by forced labour, the agency acts to 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-labour goods from entering U.S. commerce, CBP helps ensure American workers and businesses compete on a level playing field.”
According to the CPB, evidence demonstrated that workers at Linglong are subject to nine International Labour Organization indicators of forced labour: retention of identity documents, intimidation and threats, isolation, excessive overtime, withholding of wages, debt bondage, abusive living and working conditions, deception, and abuse of vulnerability. The facts underlying these indicators are claimed to show, by reasonable suspicion, that workers are engaged in forced labour (i.e., work performed involuntarily and under menace of penalty). Additionally, the CBP says that trade import data demonstrates that the goods are being, or are likely to be, imported into the United States.
Any goods imported under the WRO may be destroyed, or the importers may aim to demonstrate that the merchandise was not produced with forced labour.
CBP receives allegations of forced labour from a variety of sources including government agencies, media, non-government organizations, and members of the public.
Commercial Tyre Business asked Linglong for their comments on the WRO. In a statement, the company responded; “Linglong finds this decision completely incomprehensible and points out that the WRO is limited to imports into the US market. It does not apply to Europe, or other markets. The allegations are many years old and demonstrably relate to subcontractors – not to Linglong.”
Commercial Tyre Business previously reported on this matter earlier in 2025.
At that time, immediately after the criticism became known, Linglong says it took comprehensive measures and demanded that the subcontractors comply with all legal requirements without delay and improve the living conditions of the subcontractors’ employees as soon as the allegations became known. Linglong severed ties with the accused subcontractors in 2022.
If we accept that this is the case, the CPB is three years behind the times, but, as stated, anyone can make an allegation to the CPB, and given the current climate in Washington, it is not a huge stretch to think that there is more to this WRO than meets the eye. Linglong is a Chinese manufacturer and during the tariff war, President Trump was clear that tariffs would apply equally to Chinese operated plants in third party countries. There is no indication that this is tariff related, though.
In addition, Linglong explained that it has introduced numerous measures to improve current standards. At the beginning of 2022, new requirements were introduced that set standards for working conditions, human rights, environmental protection, and business ethics. Linglong has also published a code of conduct that is binding for all partners and contractors. This contains clear rules on compliance with social and environmental legislation. In addition, a social responsibility assessment has been integrated into the supplier management processes and is continuously reviewed.
From Linglong’s perspective, the company says it will do all it can to convince the authorities accordingly. “All Linglong’s business activities are conducted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia and the requirements for humane and legally prescribed working conditions. Linglong takes its responsibilities very seriously and regularly reviews itself and its business partners to ensure compliance with these regulations,” says the company.
A Linglong spokeman said. “Respect for human rights, ensuring good working conditions, and compliance with environmental standards are of utmost importance to us.
“It is important to us to continuously improve the living conditions of our employees. This includes the construction of employee housing and recreational facilities such as playgrounds. It also includes the development of a comprehensive supplier management system that takes social and environmental aspects into account.”
