Firemount 'Categorically and Unequivocally' Denies Forced Labor Allegations After WRO
Firemount confirmed "having taken note of the Withhold Release Order" issued by CBP Nov. 18 (see 2511180038) but "categorically and unequivocally" denied "any allegation" of forced labor in its operations or supply chains, the company told International Trade Today on Nov. 20.
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"At no time has [Firemount] engaged in, condoned, or benefited from forced labor," the company said, claiming to operate in "strict compliance" with Mauritian labor laws and international standards governing workers’ rights.
The company said it has been subject to "regular social compliance audits, including international certification processes," and that following its notification of the WRO, "immediately engaged" its legal team and "external specialists." The company said it is in the process of appointing an audit firm to conduct a "comprehensive review" of its labor conditions and recruitment systems.
"All appropriate legal and procedural steps are being taken to challenge the allegations and to seek the earliest possible suspension or revocation of the WRO," the company said. Firemount said that it is "firmly committed" to International Labor Organization standards and will "cooperate fully with all relevant stakeholders and authorities and will implement, without reservation, any reasonable recommendations arising from the ongoing review process."