European Parliament Issues Final Approval for Ban on Goods Made With Forced Labor

The European Parliament on April 23 issued the final approval to new regulations banning the "sale, import, and export of goods made" with forced labor (see 2403050035), the Parliament announced. The European Commission, along with member state authorities, will be able investigate "suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufactures" to find if forced labor exists in a good's supply chain.

The measure passed by a vote of 555-6, with 45 abstentions. The text will now be set before the European Council for formal approval, and member states will start implementing it "in 3 years."

If evidence of forced labor is found, that good or manufacturer will no longer be allowed to enter the EU market, "including online," and "shipments will be intercepted at the EU's borders," the Parliament said.

The investigations will center on "factual and verifiable information" that can be derived from "international organizations, cooperating authorities and whistle-blowers," and investigating authorities will key in on risk factors such as "the prevalence of state-imposed forced labour in certain economic sectors and geographic areas," the parliament said.

Maria-Manuel Leitao-Marques, rapporteur for the Internal Market Committee, said that "Europe cannot export its values while importing products made with forced labour. The fact that the EU finally has a law to ban these products is one of the biggest achievements of this mandate, and a victory for progressive forces.”