CBP Issues WRO On Serbian Copper and Copper Products From Serbia Zijin
Published June 17, 2026
Key Points
- CBP issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on copper and copper products manufactured by Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O. in Serbia.
- Shipments of affected products will be detained at all U.S. ports of entry effective immediately.
- CBP based the action on evidence indicating possible forced labor in the production process.
- Importers can either export or destory detained goods or prove their shipments were not produced using forced labor.
- The Serbia Zijin WRO marks CBP’s fourth WRO issued in Fiscal Year 2026.
On June 16, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against copper and copper products manufactured by Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O. in Serbia. Effective immediately, CBP personnel at U.S. ports of entry will detain shipments of these products due to evidence indicating the use of forced labor during production. The WRO follows a CBP investigation that reviewed worker statements, reports, and other supporting information. A press release was also posted on the CBP website.
CBP Cites Forced Labor Violations Under U.S. Law
According to the CBP, the WRO was issued due to violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1307, which prohibits the importation of goods produced using forced labor.
“U.S. manufacturers face unfair competition when foreign companies cut costs by using forced labor,” said Susan S. Thomas, CBP Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner. “By enforcing our laws against forced labor, CBP safeguards human rights as well as our nation’s economic security.”
CBP Investigation Findings
CBP reviewed multiple sources of information as part of its investigation, including:
- Worker statements
- Photographs
- Focus group field notes
- Text message screenshots
- Non-government organization reports
- News media reports
- Academic research
Based on the evidence collected, CBP identified six International Labour Organization (ILO) forced labor indicators involving workers at Serbia Zijin:
- Abuse of vulnerability
- Withholding of wages
- Intimidation and threats
- Restriction of movement
- Retention of identity documents
- Excessive overtime
CBP determined that the evidence showed reasonable suspicion that forced labor was used in the production of the affected copper products.
Actions for Affected Importers
Importers with detained shipments may either export or destory the detained shipments or rovide evidence showing the merchandise was not produced using forced labor.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Importers sourcing copper products from Serbia Zijin should review their supply chain records and supporting documentation to address potential shipment detentions.
CBP’s Ongoing Forced Labor Enforcement
According to the press release, the Serbia Zijin WRO marks CBP’s fourth WRO issued in Fiscal Year 2026. With this action, CBP now enforces 56 WROs and eight Findings under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.
The agency continues to accept forced labor allegations from government agencies, organizations, media sources, and the public through its Forced Labor Allegation Portal.
Purpose of the Test
According to the notice,
“The purpose of the test is to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of participant data regarding pipeline processes ( e.g., movement and sales) for crude oil being uploaded to the Neoflow platform and transmitted to the ACE Crude Oil testing environment using global interoperability standards, i.e., specifications or rules for software development that enable different systems to connect and exchange data.”
Pipeline operators, importers, and brokers will submit transaction data at each stage of the supply chain, allowing CBP to review movement, ownership transfers, and related filings in near real time.
Test Timeline and Participation
The test will begin on July 2, 2026, and will run for one year, subject to extension, modification, or early termination.
CBP began accepting participation requests on June 2, 2026. Importers of record, pipeline operators, and licensed customs brokers involved in crude oil imports from Canada and Mexico may join throughout the testing period.
Participants are expected to upload data on crude oil movement, sales, and entry into the Neoflow platform, including consumption entries, FTZ admissions, and in-bond shipments.
Comments and questions may be submitted at any time via email: otinnovation@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line: “Comments/Questions on Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test”.
Background Behind the Test
As explained in the notice, crude oil moves slowly through a complex pipeline network across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., often changing ownership multiple times before reaching its destination. Current reporting relies on monthly operator summaries and manual reconciliation, which limits real-time visibility and makes it difficult to track ownership changes, batch movements, and origin with precision.
How CBP Will Use the Data
CBP will review test data to assess its usefulness for potential program expansion, regulatory updates, improved supply chain visibility, monthly report reconciliation, and free trade agreement compliance, including country-of-origin checks. CBP will also publish technical specifications for the interoperability standards on its ACE developer portal.
For further information, contact Marie Williams, Innovation Branch Chief, Trade Modernization Division, Trade Programs, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at 202-841-4859 or via email at Marie.Williams@cbp.dhs.gov, with the subject line reading “Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test,” for additional details or clarification.
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