CBP Blocks Jordan Garments Tied to Forced Labor: Immigration News Today

CBP Stops Garments From Two Jordan Factories Over Forced Labor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued two Withhold Release Orders (WROs) — official orders that block goods from entering the United States — against garments made by Needle Craft Ltd. and Casual Wear Apparel LLC, two factories in Jordan. The orders took effect immediately. CBP officers at all U.S. ports of entry are now required to detain any garments produced by these two companies.

CBP launched a full investigation before issuing the orders. Investigators reviewed media reports, official Jordanian government documents, company statements, videos, photographs, victim statements, and reports from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The evidence showed that workers at both factories faced seven serious indicators of forced labor as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO): retention of identity documents, excessive overtime, intimidation and threats, physical and sexual violence, withholding of wages, restriction of movement, and abusive living and working conditions. Under U.S. law — specifically 19 U.S.C. § 1307 — goods made with forced labor cannot enter the United States.

These are CBP's fifth and sixth WROs issued this fiscal year. With these two new orders, CBP now enforces a total of 58 WROs and eight Findings under the same law. Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP's Office of Trade, said the actions stop goods tied to exploitative labor practices from reaching U.S. markets.

What Happens to Detained Shipments?

If a shipment is detained under a WRO, the importer has limited options. They can ask to have the goods destroyed, export the goods out of the United States, or try to prove that the merchandise was not made with forced labor. Importers who believe their goods were not produced under forced labor conditions must provide evidence to CBP to challenge the detention.

What to Do

• If you work in a supply chain that sources garments from Jordan, check immediately whether your suppliers include Needle Craft Ltd. or Casual Wear Apparel LLC — shipments from these factories will be detained at the U.S. border.
• If you have information about goods made with forced labor entering the United States, you can report it through CBP's Forced Labor Allegation Portal on the CBP website.
• If you are an importer with detained goods, lawyers recommend acting quickly — you may request to export or destroy the shipment, or submit evidence that your goods were not made with forced labor.
• If you are a worker or advocate aware of similar conditions in other factories, NGO statements and victim statements are accepted as evidence in CBP investigations — consider contacting a legal organization that handles labor rights cases.