CBP has modified the WRO on FGV Holdings Berhad (Malaysia), changing forced-labor import restrictions on its palm oil and palm oil products.

CBP has modified the Withhold Release Order (WRO) originally issued on September 30, 2020, against FGV Holdings Berhad in Malaysia, covering palm oil and palm oil products. While the bulletin excerpt does not specify whether the modification narrows or expands the WRO, any change to a WRO is immediately relevant to import admissibility and forced labor compliance.

For customs brokers and trade compliance teams, this affects how entries involving Malaysian palm oil and derivatives must be screened and documented. The underlying duty rates and HTS classifications for palm oil (e.g., under headings 1511, 1513, 1516–1518, 2306, 3824, depending on the product) are not changed by this action, but CBP’s admissibility determination for goods linked to FGV is.

You should promptly review the full CBP release and any accompanying WRO modification document to determine: (1) whether the WRO has been partially lifted for certain facilities, products, or time periods, or (2) whether conditions have been imposed for demonstrating that goods are not produced with forced labor. Importers sourcing palm oil or palm-based ingredients from Malaysia must identify any direct or indirect relationships with FGV Holdings Berhad, its subsidiaries, or associated plantations and mills.

Brokers should update internal red-flag controls so that entries involving palm oil from Malaysia, where the supplier or manufacturer may be FGV or an affiliate, are routed for forced-labor review. Where the WRO remains applicable, such shipments may be detained at the port, and importers will need to provide evidence that the goods are outside the WRO’s scope or are produced without forced labor, consistent with CBP’s guidance. Where the WRO has been narrowed, importers may be able to resume shipments from specific facilities if they meet CBP’s conditions.

Operationally, coordinate with suppliers to obtain clear documentation on the full supply chain, including plantation, mill, and refinery information, and maintain records to support admissibility determinations. Ensure that purchasing, logistics, and compliance teams are aligned on whether any current or planned shipments could be affected by the modified WRO and adjust sourcing or routing as needed.