- In February 2026, China Labor Watch filed a BAFA complaint against Linglong Tire, alleging forced labour at its Serbian facility, under the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG).
- The full complaint has not been published, but the submission appears to be based on a June 2025 investigative report, funded by the US Department of State, into working conditions at the factory.
- In 2025, China Labour Watch also filed a formal complaint against Linglong with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- On 18 December 2025 the CBP issued a Withold and Release Order (WRO) against Linglong.
Key forced labour allegations in the report
- Excessive overtime – 12-hour shifts, six days per week, with four hours per day allegedly unpaid despite contractual provisions.
- Retention of identity documents – All workers had their passports seized.
- Abuse of vulnerability – Workers were unable to confirm or produce evidence of valid work visas. One worker was fined USD 360 (approximately one month’s wage) after his visa expired and was not renewed. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with local labour laws limited their ability to question conditions, and the company did not provide health or social security insurance, requiring workers to pay for medical care, including work-related injuries.
- Debt bondage – Recruitment fees ranged between USD 1,400 and USD 4,800, equivalent to up to 1.5 years’ salary.
- Withholding of wages – Workers reported delayed wage payments, including payment only after two months of work.
- Restriction of movement – Workers reported being monitored and feared retaliation for communicating with outsiders.