US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has blocked the import of palm oil made by a Malaysian producer over forced labour concerns. CBP cited physical and sexual abuse, debt bondage and abusive conditions as reasons for blocking FGV Holdings. Shipments from the company and its subsidiaries will be held at US entry ports. In a statement, FGV said it had taken "concrete steps" to improve workers conditions. CBP said a year-long investigation revealed "restriction of movement, isolation, physical and sexual violence, intimidation and threats, retention of identity documents, withholding of wages, debt bondage, abusive working and living conditions, and excessive overtime." The investigation also raised concerns that forced child labour is potentially being used in FGV's palm oil production process. FGV is a publicly-listed company, and according to its website it accounts for about 15% of Malaysia's annual production of crude palm oil.

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