Linglong: US ban on Serbia plant tires “incomprehensible”

Hanover, Germany – Linglong International Europe has described a US decision to block imports of tires made at its Zrenjanin, Serbia facility as “completely incomprehensible.”

On 18 Dec, the US Customs and Border Protection issued a ‘withhold release order’ against car tires made by Linglong International Europe DOO Zrenjanin – citing the alleged use of forced labour. (ERJ report)

In its response, the group insisted: the allegations are “many years old”; relate solely to subcontractors rather than to Linglong; and that it had taken “comprehensive measures” to address the issue.

As well as severing ties with the accused subcontractors, in 2022 Linglong introduced measures to improve standards for working conditions, human rights, environmental protection and business ethics.

We have also published a code of conduct that is binding for all partners and contractors. This contains clear rules on compliance with social and environmental legislation.

In addition, a social responsibility assessment has been integrated into the supplier management processes and is continuously reviewed.    

These measures, concluded Linglong, make the US authority’s decision “all the more incomprehensible, and we will do everything we can to convince the authorities accordingly.

“All our business activities are conducted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia and the requirements for humane and legally prescribed working conditions.”