Copper and copper products from Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O. now barred from U.S. ports — the second U.S. forced-labor enforcement action targeting a Chinese-owned operation in Serbia
NEW YORK, June 17, 2026: On June 16, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O., directing personnel at all U.S. ports of entry to detain shipments of copper and copper products produced by the company on the basis of evidence reasonably indicating the use of forced labor. The action followed a formal forced-labor allegation submitted by China Labor Watch (CLW) and the organization’s sustained cooperation throughout CBP’s investigation.
“U.S. manufacturers face unfair competition when foreign companies cut costs by using forced labor,” said Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade
This is the second WRO issued by CBP involving a Chinese company operating in Serbia, following the December 2025 WRO against Linglong Tire. Both actions originated in CLW investigations into labor conditions at Chinese overseas investment projects in Serbia.
Years of field research
Since 2022, CLW has carried out field research and interviewed workers at Serbia Zijin Copper, documenting multiple International Labour Organization (ILO) indicators of forced labor experienced by migrant workers from China and other countries. These included retention of passports, recruitment-related deposits, excessive working hours without adequate rest, unsafe working conditions, and restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement. CLW published its findings in the report Unseen Workers: Conditions of Foreign Workers in Serbia , and released investigation reports involving Serbia Zijin Copper in 2022 and 2024.
In its public statement, CBP said its own review, drawing on worker statements, photographs, field notes, message records, NGO reporting, news media, and academic research, established six ILO indicators of forced labor at Serbia Zijin Copper. This includes: abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages, intimidation and threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, and excessive overtime.
Engagement and enforcement
CLW sought to engage Serbia Zijin Copper regarding the findings of its investigation but received no response. In the absence of any information from the company on steps to remediate the conditions documented, CLW submitted a formal forced-labor allegation to CBP and continued to provide research, evidence, and analysis throughout the investigation.
CLW also acknowledges the important work of the Serbian organization ASTRA, which has long advocated for the rights of migrant workers in Serbia and has made significant contributions to raising awareness of labor exploitation. While CLW and ASTRA did not conduct joint investigations, the two organizations remained in communication and exchanged information throughout the process. CLW believes this outcome reflects the sustained efforts of many organizations and individuals.
Statement from CLW Executive Director Li Qiang
“Since 2022, the CLW team has conducted four field missions to Serbia, interviewing workers, collecting evidence, and providing CBP with research, analysis, and supplementary information throughout its investigation,” said Li Qiang, Executive Director of China Labor Watch. “Today’s WRO is the result of the collective efforts of courageous workers who came forward, dedicated investigators, partner organizations, and enforcement authorities. It demonstrates the critical role that independent investigation and effective enforcement play in combating forced labor.
“We appreciate CBP’s commitment to enforcing U.S. forced-labor law, and we thank the workers, investigators, partner organizations, and all others whose efforts made this outcome possible.”
Background
The WRO is the fourth issued by CBP in Fiscal Year 2026 and was made under 19 U.S.C. § 1307, the statute prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor. CBP receives forced-labor allegations from a range of sources, including government agencies, news media, and non-governmental organizations. Importers of detained shipments may export or destroy the goods, or seek to demonstrate that the merchandise was not produced with forced labor.
Media Contact Li Qiang qiang@chinalaborwatch.org · [+212-244-4049] chinalaborwatch.org
