In February and March 2022, CBP officers at the Port of Baltimore seized nearly $2.5 million in palm oil shipments pursuant to a Withold Release Order (WRO) issued December 30, 2020.
A WRO directs personnel at all U.S. ports of entry to detain and potentially seize specified articles. Issuance of a WRO is based on information that reasonably indicates the presence of one or more forced labor indicators. Since 2019, thirty-two (32) active WROs and findings have been issued against various products from various regions around the world; however, the majority and most expansive WROs have issued against Chinese entities and goods.
As a US importer, finding yourself dealing with a WRO detention or seizure can be an immensely expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating endeavor. Although federal legislation is moving forward, the current arena of WRO enforcement is wrought with uncertainty and frequently involves withholding of detailed information by authorities as to the grounds for the detention or seizure. As such, importers frequently find themselves fighting an uphill battle with little to no indication from the authorities of the rules or requirements to clear the goods. #seizure #WRO
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