The regulation establishes a robust framework to identify and target products linked to forced labour, both within and outside the EU. A key feature will be a database of high-risk areas and products, maintained by the European Commission, to assist national authorities in assessing compliance, the Council said in a press statement.
European Union has adopted a regulation banning products linked to forced labour from its market.
It establishes a framework to identify such products using a database of high-risk areas and products.
Member states will handle domestic cases, while the EU Commission oversees third-country investigations.
Enforcement begins in three years, ensuring compliance across the Union.
Investigations can be initiated based on risk assessments. Member state authorities will handle cases involving forced labour within their territories, while the Commission will oversee cases related to third countries. National authorities are required to share relevant information across borders, ensuring seamless collaboration across the Union. Decisions to ban, withdraw, or dispose of non-compliant products will have EU-wide applicability under the principle of mutual recognition.
The regulation will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. However, it will only be enforced three years after its entry into force, giving businesses time to adapt to the new rules.
This regulation comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that approximately 27.6 million people are subjected to forced labour worldwide, spanning multiple industries and continents. Most of these abuses occur in the private sector, although some are government-imposed.
Originally proposed by the Commission in September 2022, the regulation marks a significant step towards combating forced labour and ensuring ethical standards in global trade. With this legislation, the EU underscores its commitment to human rights and fair labour practices in its economic dealings.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
