The European Union (EU) Parliament on Tuesday approved new measures that prohibit the sale, import, and export of goods made using forced labour. These are significant regulatory steps to stem the tide of abusive labour practices in the global supply chain. Secured by a vast majority, with 555 votes in favour and six against, these rules aim to limit access to the EU’s single market for third countries complicit in forced labour.
The regulations empower authorities in the member states and the European Commission to investigate any suspected use of forced labour, suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers. They stipulate that goods proven to have been produced using forced labour will be banished from the EU market. Furthermore, these regulations also prohibit the sale of goods declared to be products of forced labour online within EU member countries.
The phenomenon of forced labour is forbidden under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Convention aims to protect individuals from instances of serious exploitation, including those linked to human trafficking.
The new legislations now await endorsement from the EU Council and, once approved, will enter into force. It is anticipated that this approval is principally a formality. Thereafter, EU member states will commence the application of these laws within three years post-approval.
Samira Rafaela, rapporteur for the International Trade committee and activist against forced labour, championed the momentousness of this legislation, stating it will transform trade policies into a greener and fairer future. The mandate to institute these legislations partly arose from increasing worries among EU lawmakers over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, a north-eastern region in China. China is a significant cotton producer and has been accused by the US Government of committing genocide against the Uyghur Muslims, an indigenous group to the Xinjiang region.
By instituting this forced labour import ban, the EU joins a list of countries that have implemented similar measures, such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico, among others.
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