[EMEA] Law banning forced labour products passed by European Parliament

On April 23, the European Parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a new law to prevent the import and distribution of goods made with forced labour, Radio Free Asia reports.

According to Uyghur advocates, the move will help clamp down on China’s use of forced labour in far western Xinjiang.

The Forced Labour Regulation reportedly places the burden of proof on the EU rather than on companies. It was approved in a 555-6 vote, with 45 abstentions.

The new legislation will allow authorities in EU member states and the European Commission to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains and manufacturers. Products determined to be made with forced labour cannot be sold in the EU - even online - and will be confiscated at the border.

Under the law, manufacturers of banned goods must withdraw their products from the EU single market and donate, recycle or destroy them. Companies that fail to comply will risk fines. 

Uyghur activists reportedly welcomed the measure, however, it does not specifically ban products made by Uyghur forced labour, leading to some highlighting its shortcomings.

Dolkun Isa - president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) - said, “The passage of this legislation also sends a powerful message to the Chinese companies doing business in Europe that have continuously benefited from the Uyghur forced labour despite repeated warnings.” 

The 27 countries of the EU must now approve the regulation for it to enter into force, though this is reportedly a formality. They will have three years to implement the law following its ratification.

Source: Radio Free Asia

(Quote via original reporting)

On April 23, the European Parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a new law to prevent the import and distribution of goods made with forced labour, Radio Free Asia reports.

According to Uyghur advocates, the move will help clamp down on China’s use of forced labour in far western Xinjiang.

The Forced Labour Regulation reportedly places the burden of proof on the EU rather than on companies. It was approved in a 555-6 vote, with 45 abstentions.

The new legislation will allow authorities in EU member states and the European Commission to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains and manufacturers. Products determined to be made with forced labour cannot be sold in the EU - even online - and will be confiscated at the border.

Under the law, manufacturers of banned goods must withdraw their products from the EU single market and donate, recycle or destroy them. Companies that fail to comply will risk fines. 

Uyghur activists reportedly welcomed the measure, however, it does not specifically ban products made by Uyghur forced labour, leading to some highlighting its shortcomings.

Dolkun Isa - president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) - said, “The passage of this legislation also sends a powerful message to the Chinese companies doing business in Europe that have continuously benefited from the Uyghur forced labour despite repeated warnings.” 

The 27 countries of the EU must now approve the regulation for it to enter into force, though this is reportedly a formality. They will have three years to implement the law following its ratification.

Source: Radio Free Asia

(Quote via original reporting)