The European Commission announced on Wednesday a proposal to prohibit products made with forced labor on the European Union's market. The ban will include goods made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, as well as imported products. "This comprehensive approach is important because an estimated 27.6 million people are in forced labor, in many industries and in every continent," the Commission stated.
According to the statement, authorities in individual member states will be empowered to withdraw products, while EU customs authorities will identify and stop them as well. "We have sought to minimize the administrative burden for businesses, with a tailor-made approach for SMEs. We will also further deepen our cooperation with our global partners and with international organizations," Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis said.
