The European Parliament has taken a significant step in the fight against forced labor by approving new rules aimed at eliminating products tainted with modern slavery from the EU market. The law, passed with overwhelming support, is a crucial move to clean up both import and export markets within the bloc.
The legislation, set to come into force in 2027 pending final approval from member states, empowers national authorities to investigate products suspected of being linked to forced labor and to ban such products from the EU market. Additionally, the European Commission will have the authority to initiate probes into products from countries outside the EU that are suspected of being produced through forced labor.
The new regulation also includes provisions for dealing with products made from forced labor that are already on the EU market. Companies found to be in violation of the rules will face fines, and the products will either be donated, recycled, or destroyed.
The move comes in response to a growing concern over the prevalence of products made from forced labor in the EU market, as well as the rise in illegal profits generated from such practices. The International Labour Organization estimates that millions of people worldwide are subjected to forced labor, resulting in billions of dollars in profits each year.
While the new rules have received broad support, some critics have raised concerns about potential disruptions to supply chains and the impact on businesses. However, advocates argue that the regulations are necessary to protect vulnerable workers and ensure ethical practices in the global supply chain.
As the EU moves forward with implementing these new rules, the focus will be on robust enforcement and ensuring that companies comply with the regulations to eradicate forced labor from the market.