Modern Slavery | UK Regulatory Outlook November 2024

EU Regulation prohibiting products in the Union market made using forced labour receives final approval

On 19 November, the Council of the EU adopted the regulation prohibiting products in the Union market that are made using forced labour. Under the new regulation, if a product is deemed to have been manufactured using forced labour, it will be prohibited from being sold on the EU market (including online) and products will be seized at EU borders. If evidence can be provided to authorities that forced labour has been eliminated, then the product may be able to return to the EU market.

The regulation has now completed its legislative journey and, after being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the day following its publication. It will apply three years after the date of entry into force.

Although the regulation will not be in force for over three years, businesses affected by its obligations should use this interim period to prepare for compliance with the regulation's duties by identifying and addressing forced labour in their supply chains.

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Please see Regulated procurement.