2026 Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings: Latest Updates
Published Sept. 29, 2026
Note: This page covers 2026 WROs and Findings issued or updated from September 29 through the end of 2026.
Key Points
- CBP uses Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings to restrict imports linked to forced labor.
- WROs can cover specific products, producers, or countries.
- Findings apply when CBP determines that evidence demonstrates the use of forced labor.
- Importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export the goods or provide evidence that they were not produced with forced labor.
- Latest Update:
- Sept. 29, 2026: CBP issued WROs against palm oil and derivative products produced by Mitra Aneka Rezeki and Hardaya Inti Plantation in Indonesia. Link to press release
The U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and Findings to stop goods linked to forced labor from entering the U.S. New orders and changes to existing actions can affect importers and shipments covered by these measures.
Below are the 2026 WRO and Finding updates covered on this page, starting September 29 and continuing through the end of the year.
Click on an update below to jump to the details.
CBP Issues WROs on Palm Oil From Two Indonesian Producers
On September 29, 2026, CBP issued two WROs against palm oil and its derivative products produced by Mitra Aneka Rezeki (MAR) and Hardaya Inti Plantation (HIP) in Indonesia. The orders took effect immediately, requiring CBP personnel at U.S. ports of entry to detain covered shipments based on evidence indicating the use of forced labor.
CBP issued the WROs under 19 U.S.C. § 1307 after reviewing:
- Worker interview transcripts
- Payroll slips and harvest quota information
- Photographs
- Reports from nongovernmental organizations and government agencies
- News media
- Academic research
CBP identified these ILO indicators of forced labor at both plantations:
- Debt bondage
- Withholding of wages
- Deception
- Excessive overtime
- Abusive working and living conditions
- Intimidation and threats
- Abuse of vulnerability
At MAR, CBP also identified retention of identity documents and isolation.
CBP said its trade import data showed that the covered goods are being, or are likely to be, imported into the United States.
The two WROs bring the total to 60 WROs and eight Findings that CBP oversees and enforces under 19 U.S.C. § 1307. Importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export the shipments or provide evidence that the merchandise was not produced with forced labor.
Meanwhile, suspected forced labor imports can be reported through CBP’s Forced Labor Allegation Portal.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
Subscribe!
