Modern slavery | Regulatory Outlook September 2022

Commission proposes regulation prohibiting products produced using forced labour

On 14 September, the European Commission proposed a regulation prohibiting all products made with forced labour to be placed on the EU market. The proposal covers all products, namely those made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, and imported goods, without targeting specific companies or industries.

National authorities in Member States will implement the prohibition through a robust, risk-based enforcement approach and will undertake investigations on products in which there are suspicions that they have been made with forced labour. They can then request information from companies and carry out checks and inspections, including in countries outside the EU.

If national authorities find forced labour, they will order the withdrawal of the products already placed on the market, and prohibit to place the products on the market, and to export them. Companies will then be required to dispose of the goods.

The proposal will need to be discussed and agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can enter into force. It will apply 24 months after its entry into force. Alongside this, the Commission has also published a Q&A document on the proposed regulation.

A feedback period is now open seeking feedback on the proposal of this regulation and closes on 15 November 2022.