Public consultation on the proposal on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market

25th September 2023 | Closed Consultations

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is seeking the views of stakeholders on the EU proposal for prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (EU) 2022/2069.

Definition of forced labour

All work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily. (Article 2.1 ILO Forced Labour Convention).

Planned scope for this new legislative instrument

The legislative proposal will effectively prohibit the placing on the EU market of products made with forced labour, as well as their export from the EU. 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.

Why this initiative is needed

Forced labour, including forced child labour, continues to be a major global issue, with the ILO estimating the global number of people in a situation of forced labour at around 27.6 million. Combating forced labour and promoting responsible business practices are priorities of the EU's agenda on business and human rights.

How the proposed regulation will be enforced

The enforcement of the regulation will be:

carried out by member states’ competent authorities
facilitated by the involvement of customs authorities to identify and stop products at EU borders
based on risk-based approach drawing from independent and verifiable sources of information, such as the International Labour Organization
supported by a dedicated coordination network for member states
civil society can submit information for investigation by competent authorities
guidelines issued by the Commission will facilitate the implementation of the prohibition both by business and by competent authorities of member states