EU: Legislation Prohibiting Goods Produced through Forced Labor

May 3, 2024 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

There will be no more products from forced labor in the EU. Recent legislation, which has been approved by the European Parliament, will allow the EU to implement a ban on the sale, import, and export of goods produced through the exploitation of forced labor. The products in question must be destroyed, recycled, or donated.

The rapporteur for the Internal Market Committee made the following observation: ‘It is estimated that 28 million people worldwide are currently in a situation of exploitation at the hands of human traffickers and states that force them to work for little or no pay. Europe cannot export its values while importing products made with forced labour.’

Member State authorities and the European Commission will be able to investigate suspect goods, supply chains and producers. If a product is found to have been made with the use of forced labour, it will no longer be allowed to be on sale on the EU market and shipments will be stopped at EU borders. Shipments will be intercepted at the borders of the EU.

The decision to initiate investigations is based on factual and verifiable information provided by international organisations, cooperating authorities, and whistleblowers. In order to ensure a comprehensive approach, several risk factors and criteria, such as the existence of state-imposed forced labour in certain economic sectors and geographical areas, will be considered.

Manufacturers of banned goods will have to withdraw their products from the EU internal market and donate, recycle or destroy them. Companies that do not work according to the guidelines can be penalised with fines.

Formal approval of the text by the EU Council is in the pipeline, after which it will be published in the Official Journal. EU countries must start applying the regulation within three years.

European Parliament press release (24 April 2024)