On September 24, 2025 (EST), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on Giant Taiwan. Giant Group remains firmly committed to human rights and regulatory compliance. We have addressed each of the five specific concerns raised and outlined the concrete measures already implemented or currently in progress.
Five Specific Concerns and Responses
- Abuse of VulnerabilityResponse：
- No abusive practices: all employment terms are clearly explained in migrant workers’ native languages before hiring, with bilingual contracts signed.
- Migrant workers may freely register to live offsite, use mobile phones, and are never isolated or restricted.
- Passports are not withheld; no threats or intimidation. A clear grievance channel is in place.
- Abusive Working and Living ConditionResponse：
- Work environment certified by ISO 45001 and TOSHMS.
- Dormitories provide 3.73 m² per person (above the legal 3.6 m²), all equipped with air conditioning, staff support, and bilingual services.
- Regular health checks, vaccinations, traffic and occupational safety training, plus various welfare activities.
- Debt BondageResponse：
- No debt-bonded labor.
- Since January 1, 2025, all new hires are under a Zero Recruitment Fee Policy, with the company covering all agency fees, service fees, and related charges.
- Withholding of WagesResponse：
- Wages are paid within five days after each pay period, with bilingual pay slips provided.
- All deductions (social insurance, employee association fees, etc.) are clearly stated, lawful, contract-based, with no improper charges or penalties.
- Excessive OvertimeResponse：
- Overtime follows full overtime payment calculated per local legal standards.
FAQ
Q1
Does the company acknowledge that concerns related to forced labor practices existed in the past?
We do not accept or tolerate any form of forced labor. In response to increasingly stringent international human rights standards, Giant Group has taken the lead in the bicycle industry in implementing concrete actions: we fully cover all recruitment-related fees for newly hired foreign workers and have comprehensively improved employee housing conditions and systems. Moving forward, we will establish a more robust monitoring mechanism to continue safeguarding the rights and interests of our employees.
Q2
Does the WRO affect Giant Group’s global operations, finances, or supply chain? Whether Giant will quit the U.S. market?
The WRO applies only to bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan by Giant and exported to the U.S. Other markets, including Europe and Asia, are not affected. The U.S. remains an important market for us, and we will not quit U.S. market. Sales in the U.S. continue, although some shipments may face short-term delays. We have activated contingency measures and are closely coordinating with customers and partners to minimize impacts. Giant Group remains committed to complying with all regulations and upholding human rights.
Q3
If Taiwan-made products cannot be shipped due to the WRO, where will production be shifted? How will capacity be adjusted?
In addition to Taiwan, Giant Group operates manufacturing facilities in China, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Vietnam, ensuring strong flexibility and resilience. Our Vietnam manufacturing factory already supplies the U.S. market and will play a key role in meeting demand. We will adjust capacity allocation as needed to ensure a stable supply.
Q4
What actions has Giant Group taken following the issuance of the WRO by CBP?
Immediately after the WRO was announced, Giant Group launched a dual-track response. We engage U.S. legal counsels to communicate directly with CBP, accelerating the documentation and preparation for the petition. At the same time, we engage an international third-party advisor to conduct an independent assessment of our operations and to guide the company in implementing further improvement measures, ensuring meeting with international human rights standards and addressing CBP’s concerns with the goal seeking modification of WRO as soon as possible.
Q5
Some suggest this action is a trade negotiation tactic. How does the company view this?
We respect international regulations and government procedures. Our focus remains on ensuring labor rights through concrete actions, thereby demonstrating our strong commitment to human rights responsibilities.
Case Progress Update
- Oct012025Engaging an international third-party advisor to conduct an independent assessment and to guide the company in implementing further improvement measures addressing CBP concerns.Workplace Enhancement
- Sep302025Giant Group formally submitted an official letter to relevant Taiwanese government agencies, reporting progress and requesting for support.Stakeholders Communication
- Sep292025Through the U.S. law firm, Giant Group formally initiated contact with CBP and is arranging an official meeting in the near future.Stakeholders Communication
- Sep272025Engage U.S. law firm to prepare petition filings with CBP and expedite documentation.Stakeholders CommunicationSep272025Introduced a Migrant Worker Rights Improvement Plan, building on the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy and dormitory upgrades, with ongoing audits for global standards.Workplace Enhancement
- Sep262025Officials from the Ministry of Labor (ROC) and Taichung City’s Labor Affairs Bureau visited the sites and confirmed 35 inspections over the past year, all compliant with labor standards.Workplace Enhancement
- Sep252025Giant Group issued a public response, highlighting the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy and dormitory upgrades, and announced the launch of the petition process preparation.Stakeholders CommunicationSep252025Directors of Taichung’s Economic Development and Labor Affairs Bureaus visited Giant Group and reaching out to AIT for the support of ongoing communication.Workplace Enhancement
- Sep242025CBP announced a WRO on Taiwan manufacturing sites; Giant Group immediately formed a response task force and issued Material Information and a press release.Read MoreStakeholders CommunicationSep242025CBP announced a WRO on Taiwan manufacturing sites; Giant Group immediately formed a response task force and issued official disclosures and a press release.Read MoreWorkplace Enhancement
- Jan012025Implemented the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy. All recruitment, agency, and government-related fees for new migrant workers are fully covered by the company.Workplace Enhancement
- Dec312024Completed dormitory upgrades at Taiwan manufacturing sites, providing safer and more comfortable living conditions.Workplace Enhancement
Talent Sustainability
Greater Together
Giant Group believes in growing greater together. We invest in talent sustainability through structured onboarding, cross-functional rotations, and global assignments. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, we empower our people to explore career opportunities across regions and thrive as part of a diverse global team.