(57)Customs authorities that identify a product that may be covered by a decision communicated by the lead competent authority establishing a violation of the prohibition of products made with forced labour should suspend the release of that product and notify the competent authorities immediately. Competent authorities should reach a conclusion within a reasonable timeframe on the case notified to them by the customs authorities, either by confirming or by denying that the product concerned is covered by a decision. Where necessary and duly justified, the competent authorities should be authorised to require maintaining the suspension of the release of the product concerned, taking into account the potential damage for the economic operator. In the absence of a conclusion by competent authorities within the specified time limit, customs authorities should release the products if all other applicable requirements and formalities are fulfilled. Generally, the release of a product for free circulation or export should not be deemed to be proof of compliance with Union law, since such a release does not necessarily include a complete assessment of such compliance.