Compliance Alert: CBP Issues WRO on Firemount Group Ltd. for Forced Labor Indicators

On November 18, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against apparel, textiles, and garments manufactured in Mauritius by Firemount Group Ltd., based on information indicating the use of forced labor in violation of 19 U.S.C. §1307. All related shipments entering the United States will be detained effective immediately.

This is the fourth WRO issued in 2025 and the first in FY 2026, further underscoring CBP’s increased enforcement focus on forced labor compliance across global supply chains.

Key Findings From the CBP Investigation
CBP identified evidence showing four International Labour Organization forced labor indicators:

  • Abuse of vulnerability
  • Debt bondage
  • Deception
  • Intimidation and threats

Impact for Importers
Organizations with sourcing ties to Firemount or Mauritius apparel supply chains should:

  • Review supplier due diligence and traceability documentation
  • Conduct immediate risk assessments and supply chain mapping
  • Prepare documentation to demonstrate non-involvement in forced labor if imports are detained
  • Anticipate potential operational delays or shipment holds
  • If needed, implement remediation measures consistent with CBP’s Forced Labor Remediation Guide, including addressing root causes, ensuring worker restitution where applicable, and verifying corrective actions through credible, worker-centered monitoring

Detained goods may be exported, destroyed, or only released if importers prove they were not produced with forced labor.

Why This Matters for Compliance Leaders
Forced labor enforcement continues to expand, with CBP now overseeing:

  • 54 active WROs
  • Nine Findings

The message is clear: robust forced labor compliance is a regulatory expectation—not a voluntary ESG initiative.

Need to strengthen your forced labor compliance? Better Trade Collective can help.

 Takeaway for Compliance & Trade Teams:
Now is the time to strengthen supplier verification, increase transparency, and ensure readiness for documentation requests and audits. Companies without proactive measures risk not only shipment detentions but also reputational and financial consequences.