US bans Serbian copper imports over forced labor evidence

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has banned all imports of copper and related products from Serbia Zijin Copper. The agency cited evidence of forced labor at the company's facilities in Bor, eastern Serbia.

An investigation by CBP reviewed worker statements, photographs, and NGO reports. The evidence indicated that workers at Serbia Zijin are subjected to six International Labour Organization indicators of forced labor. These include abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages, intimidation and threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, and excessive overtime.

Zijin Copper took over the mining and smelting complex in Bor. Its acquisition followed protests against environmental hazards and allegations of forced labor involving workers brought from China. The ban means all shipments of Zijin Serbia products are now detained at U.S. ports.

“

Taken together, the evidence demonstrated that workers at Serbia Zijin are subject to six International Labour Organization indicators of forced labor: abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages, intimidation and threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, and excessive overtime.