Today, we learned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) “against bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan by Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd, based on information that reasonably indicates forced labor use.” This WRO means that, effective immediately, CBP will detain bikes, bike parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan by Giant due to violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1307 — a law prohibiting goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S.
Giant Bicycles — also known as Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. — is recognized as the largest manufacturer of bicycles in the world. Founded in 1972, the Taiwanese brand has manufacturing facilities around the globe, including in Taiwan (which Tyler toured back in 2012), China, Hungary, and the Netherlands. As far as we can tell, this WRO only applies to Giant products manufactured in Taiwan.
According to the statement from CBP, the agency identified numerous International Labour Organization forced labor indicators in its investigation of Giant’s manufacturing facilities in Taiwan. These include:
- abuse of vulnerability
- abusive working and living conditions
- debt bondage
- withholding of wages
- excessive overtime
The statement goes on to say, “Giant profited by imposing such abuse, resulting in goods produced below market value and undercutting American businesses by millions of dollars in unjustly earned profits. The International Labour Organization estimates that nearly 28 million workers are under conditions of forced labor worldwide.”
This WRO against Giant is the third of its kind issued by U.S. CBP this year in the organization’s ongoing effort to address forced labor. According to the statement, “When CBP has evidence indicating that imported goods are made by forced labor, the agency issues orders to detain those shipments. Importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export their shipments or seek to demonstrate that the merchandise is admissible.”
This isn’t the first time that Giant Bicycles has been in hot water for its labor practices. In previous reports we’ve read, workers have complained of poor living conditions, high recruitment fees to secure employment, and withholding of wages. It has also been reported that starting in 2025, Giant committed to a no-fee recruitment policy to address at least one of these issues.
Regardless, we’d expect a statement from Giant addressing the WRO and these forced labor accusations relatively soon. We’ll keep you posted if and when we hear anything from Giant or learn more about this developing story.
You can read the full statement from the U.S. CBP here.
Updated with Statement from Giant
Yesterday, 9/25/2025, Giant Group responded to the U.S. CBP Withhold Release Order: “Reaffirms Human Rights Commitment and Initiates Petition Process.”
From Giant’s Group’s Official Statement:
1. Company Position
Giant Group is firmly committed to upholding human rights and labor 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.
2. Active Response
Giant Group has established internal supervision mechanisms and third-party audits, and continues to conduct due diligence to ensure compliance with international standards. We will contact CBP to file a petition to seek the revocation of the WRO and explain that the Company has already adopted appropriate measures.
3. Impact
The WRO applies only to products manufactured in Taiwan and exported to the U.S. Supply and sales in other markets remain unaffected. In the short term, some shipments to the U.S. may experience delays or inspections. However, the company has activated contingency measures and is planning to work closely with CBP and are working closely with business partners to minimize the impact.
4. Continuing Transparency and Communication
Giant Group remains dedicated to protecting labor 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.
You can find the latest news from the Giant Group here.
