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.
- Regular health checks, vaccinations, traffic and occupational safety training, plus various welfare activities.
- The previous dormitory was limited by its age and space constraints. On October 15, 2025, all migrant workers relocated to newly designed and upgraded dormitories that align with international labor and human rights standards, providing safer living conditions and dedicated management. (Updated: 2025/10/15)
- 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.
- Following the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy, the initiative was extended to all current migrant workers on October 15, 2025, with the first phase of reimbursements already completed. (Updated: 2025/10/15)
- 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
Why is Giant Group announcing the expansion of the “Zero Recruitment Fee” policy now? (Updated: 2025/10/15)
The Zero Recruitment Fee Policy is part of Giant Group’s long-term Migrant Worker Rights Enhancement Program, not a temporary initiative. Since January 1, 2025, the Group has implemented the policy for newly hired migrant workers, fully covering all agency and administrative fees. This latest expansion represents the next phase of the same policy, reflecting the Group’s ongoing institutionalization and practices of human rights protection and fair employment.
Q5
What was the main purpose of Giant Group’s meeting with the U.S. CBP? (Updated: 2025/10/29)
The meeting aimed to establish an official communication channel, allowing both sides to directly discuss the facts related to the U.S. CBP’s Withhold Release Order (WRO) and ongoing improvement measures. CBP recognized Giant Group’s proactive attitude and actions, and stated that it will continue its review process based on the results of the upcoming independent third-party audit report.
Case Progress Update
- Oct292025Issued an official press release regarding a meeting with U.S. CBP officials, with both sides engaging in extensive discussions on the company’s current status and ongoing improvement actions.Read MoreStakeholders CommunicationOct292025Issued an official press release regarding a meeting with U.S. CBP officials, with both sides engaging in extensive discussions on the company’s current status and ongoing improvement actions.Read MoreAn international third-party auditor conducted assessments at Taiwan manufacturing sites starting in mid-October, covering employee interviews, document reviews, and inspections of factories and dormitories. The report is an important component of CBP's relevant procedures.Workplace Enhancement
- Oct152025Issued an official press release announcing the expansion of the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy and the relocation of migrant workers to new dormitories.Read MoreStakeholders CommunicationOct152025Issued an official press release announcing the expansion of the Zero Recruitment Fee Policy and the relocation of migrant workers to new dormitories.Read MoreWorkplace Enhancement
- 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.