Products made in Taiwan by Giant prevented from entering US, based on ‘forced labour’ allegations

On 24 September, the US Customs and Border Protection issued an order preventing all goods manufactured by the Giant Bicycle Company in Taiwan from being distributed and sold in the US, effective immediately.

Known as a ‘Withhold Release Order’, the ban applies to bikes, bike parts and accessories.

US Customs and Border Protection says that during an investigation of the Taiwanese cycling company, it found five separate International Labour Organisation forced labour indicators, including abuse of vulnerability, abusive working and living conditions, debt bondage, withholding of wages, and excessive overtime.

Giant has hit back, saying, “Giant Group is firmly committed to upholding human rights and labour protections, and has taken the following concrete actions:

• Since January 2025, we have fully implemented a Zero Recruitment Fee Policy, under which all recruitment, agency, and government-related fees for newly hired migrant workers are fully covered by the company.
•  By the end of 2024, we completed upgrades to employee housing, providing a safer and more comfortable living environment,” the company statement stated.

The Giant Group also says it “will contact CBP to file a petition to seek the revocation of the WRO and explain that the Company has already adopted appropriate measures.”

This measure only applies to products manufactured in Taiwan and exported to the US. Supply and sales in other markets remain unaffected.

The company says it “remains dedicated to protecting labour rights through concrete actions and ensuring a transparent, fair, and sustainable development. The Group will continually provide timely updates and maintain open communication with global stakeholders to foster a responsible and resilient industry environment.”

Stay tuned for further updates.