CBP issues WRO on Linglong International Europe DOO Zrenjanin for forced labour
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
On December 18, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on Linglong International Europe DOO Zrenjanin, a tire plant in Serbia, after an investigation found strong evidence of forced-labor practices. The WRO directs CBP officers to detain shipments of rubber and tires manufactured at the facility because of nine ILO indicators of forced labor, including retention of identity documents, intimidation, isolation, excessive overtime, withheld wages, debt bondage, abusive conditions, deception and abuse of vulnerability. Evidence supporting the WRO comes from worker statements, photographic evidence, employment contracts, field notes, NGO reports, news articles and academic research. CBP noted that this is the fifth WRO issued in 2025 and emphasized the importance of keeping goods made with forced labor out of U.S. commerce to ensure fair competition. The plant’s owner, Linglong International Europe DOO Zrenjanin, is part of the Chinese tire manufacturer Linglong Group; the order applies to all shipments produced at the facility after December 18, 2025.
Evidence & Audit Trail
CBP’s investigation found workers at Linglong subject to nine International Labour Organization indicators of forced labour – retention of identity documents, intimidation and threats, isolation, excessive overtime, wage withholding, debt bondage, abusive living and working conditions, deception and abuse of vulnerability – based on worker statements, photographs, employment contracts, field notes, NGO reports, media and academic research.