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At the end of April, the European Parliament in Plenary voted in favour of a new regulation to prohibit the sale, import, and export of goods produced with forced labour, marking a significant step in the fight against global human rights abuses. The Parliament, with overwhelming support, approved this new law which empowers both the Member States and the European Commission to scrutinize and investigate goods, supply chains, and manufacturers suspected of using forced labour.

Under the regulation, one of several new, non-fiscal legislation enforceable by Customs, any product confirmed to be made through forced labour will be banned from the EU market, and existing stock must be withdrawn, recycled, or destroyed. Investigations will be prompted by reliable information from international organizations, whistleblowers, and cooperating authorities, focusing particularly on industries and regions known for state-imposed forced labour.

The regulation now awaits formal approval by the EU Council and will be enforceable within three years, signalling a progressive shift towards ethical trade practices within the EU and potentially influencing global labour standards.

The forced labour regulation focuses on products and will not place additional due diligence requirements on companies that do not use forced labour in their supply chains. Nevertheless, it is often associated with the directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence that was provisionally agreed between Parliament and Council, but that has so far not been given a final OK from the Council.