EU Adopts Ban on Products Made with Forced Labour
Brussels, December 9, 2024 – The European Union (EU) has adopted a landmark ban on products made with forced labour, setting a new global standard to combat this abhorrent practice. The ban, which follows years of negotiations, will come into effect in 2025.
The ban applies to a wide range of products, including clothing, textiles, footwear, electronics, and agricultural commodities, that are suspected of being produced using forced labour. It will prohibit the import, sale, and distribution of such products within the EU market.
“This ban sends a clear message that the EU will not tolerate products made with the suffering of others,” said EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders. “Forced labour is a serious violation of human rights, and we are determined to do our part to eradicate it.”
The ban is part of the EU’s broader efforts to promote responsible and sustainable trade. It aligns with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which call on businesses to respect human rights throughout their global operations.
To ensure effective enforcement, the ban will be supported by a robust due diligence system. Companies will be required to conduct rigorous risk assessments to identify and mitigate the risk of forced labour in their supply chains. Customs authorities will also be given enhanced powers to inspect and detain products suspected of being made with forced labour.
The EU ban is expected to have a significant impact on businesses both within and outside the EU. Companies will need to strengthen their supply chain monitoring systems and work closely with their suppliers to ensure compliance. Consumers will also play a role by making informed choices and demanding products that are free from forced labour.
The ban has been welcomed by human rights organizations and trade unions. The International Labour Organization (ILO) called it “a major step forward in the fight against forced labour.” The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said the ban “will make a real difference to the lives of millions of workers around the world.”
The EU ban is not without its challenges. Some businesses have expressed concerns about the potential costs and administrative burdens associated with implementing the due diligence system. However, the EU has emphasized that the ban is essential to protect human rights and ensure a level playing field for businesses.
Overall, the EU ban on products made with forced labour is a bold and ambitious initiative that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the fight against this scourge. It sets a new benchmark for global efforts to combat forced labour and sends a clear message that this practice will not be tolerated in the EU market.
EU adopts ban on products made with forced labour
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