ITMA 2027’s Post

🚫 Major Step Forward in Ethical Trade Practices: EU Bans Goods Made with Forced Labor 🚫 Exciting news in the fight against forced labor! The European Union has made a bold move to ban all products made using forced labor from its single market. This groundbreaking regulation, proposed by the Commission and adopted by the European Parliament, applies to all products—whether manufactured within the EU or imported. 🔍 Key Features of the Ban: Comprehensive Coverage: The ban targets products across all sectors, including their components. Strict Enforcement: EU Member States are responsible for removing these products from the market, with customs authorities playing a crucial role at the borders. This regulation is not just a win for human rights; it sets a powerful precedent for market-driven advocacy and ethical trade practices. As businesses and professionals committed to ethical standards, it's crucial for us to support and adapt to these changes to ensure a fairer trade environment. 👚 What This Means for Textile Businesses: Supply Chain Scrutiny: Textile companies must now ensure that every component of their products, from cotton to buttons, complies with this new regulation. This means greater transparency and stricter audits throughout the supply chain. Enhanced Compliance: With national authorities empowered to remove non-compliant products from the market, textile businesses must adopt rigorous compliance measures. This includes working closely with customs to prevent the entry of banned products. https://lnkd.in/ekWX279r #HumanRights #EthicalTrade #EUBusiness #ForcedLabor #GlobalTrade

🚨 New EU Ban on Products Made with Forced Labour 🚨 On November 19, 2024, the European Council took a significant step forward in the fight against human rights abuses and modern-day slavery by adopting a comprehensive ban on products made with forced labour. This new law will prohibit the sale and importation of goods into the European Union that are linked to forced or compulsory labour. 🔑 Key Highlights • Scope: The ban covers a wide range of products, from raw materials to manufactured goods, ensuring that products made under unethical conditions do not enter the EU market. • Global Impact: This measure will affect businesses worldwide, urging them to ensure their supply chains are free from forced labour. • Accountability: Companies will be required to prove that their products are not linked to forced labour, with increased scrutiny of sourcing and production methods. 🌍 Why This Matters This move aligns with the EU’s broader commitment to human rights, sustainability, and ethical trade practices. It reinforces the growing importance of transparency in global supply chains, marking a crucial step toward a fairer and more ethical global economy. Key Takeaways: The law signals that human dignity cannot be compromised for profit. 📊 What Businesses Need to Do From an operational perspective, companies will need to: • Audit their supply chains rigorously to ensure no forced labour is involved. • Implement stronger due diligence processes for sourcing and production. • Invest in monitoring and reporting mechanisms to remain compliant and avoid penalties. The cost of non-compliance could be significant, both financially and reputationally, so preparation is essential to maintain market access in the EU. #ForcedLabour #HumanRights #Sustainability #EURegulations #CorporateResponsibility #EthicalTrade #SupplyChainTransparency

Yesterday, the EU Parliament gave its final approval to a new regulation enabling the European Union to prohibit the sale, import and export of goods made using forced labour. https://loom.ly/KBssgy8 The approval came one day before the upcoming vote of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in the EU Parliament, which is expected to happen today. Both regulations are going to elevate the level playing field of the industry and protect workers around the world. Stronger Together can support your business to tackle forced labour in your own operations and supply chains, and to implement responsible recruitment and fair work practices. ⭐ Access our wide range of practical resources here (which are free to download, you need to create an account) ➡️ https://loom.ly/Fd9umrA ⭐ Book your place on one of our upcoming workshops ➡️ https://loom.ly/UE4-sS8 #euparliament #newregulations #protectworkers #forcedlabour #responsiblerecruitment

It’s official - with 555 votes in favor, 6 against, and 45 abstentions. The new EU Forced Labor ban will be enforced on goods made outside the EU by forced labour and on products manufactured in the EU with parts made abroad by forced labour. https://lnkd.in/e3jMj26n. See our last comparison article https://lnkd.in/e6amgKRt if you are importing goods into the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU). Follow The Traceability Times https://lnkd.in/eW4mRaRE for regular policy maker updates on the regulatory lens of due diligence and traceability for imports. Connect with HAP for support in establishing best practice in your due diligence or traceability system or to be a cited contributor to our upcoming series on the use of Social Audits in regulatory due diligence. Please reach out to us at: https://lnkd.in/gbU5hzAY or 1️⃣💬DM or 2️⃣ contact one of our team members here: 👋 https://lnkd.in/dfZwPma6 ✅ Support greater Independence in Environmental & Human Rights Due Diligence Measurement Systems: https://lnkd.in/ehvfDhEc #esg #esgreporting #sustainability #sustainabilityreport #responsiblebusiness #ethics #climatecrisis #climate #bizhumanrights #forcedlabour #modernslavery #ethicalsourcing #SustainableBusiness #EthicalAuditing #OECDGuidance #oecd #supplychain #responsbilebusines #climate #climateaction #hrdd #csddd #cs3dy

🔶 ⚖️ 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁! Yesterday, the Council of the European Union adopted the regulation prohibiting products in the EU market that are made using forced labour. 🔶 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲?  After the signature of the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force on the day following its publication. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝟯 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲. 🔶 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀? ▶️ The EU ban prohibits the placing and making available on the EU market, or the export from the EU market, of any product made using forced labour.   ▶️ Following a risk-based approach, EU member state authorities and the European Commission will be able to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers. ▶️ 𝗜𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿, 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 (𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨’𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.   ▶️ Decisions to investigate will be based on factual and verifiable information that can be received from, for example, international organizations, cooperating authorities and whistleblowers. Several risk factors and criteria will be considered, including the prevalence of state-imposed forced labour in certain economic sectors and geographic areas.

🚨 New EU Ban on Products Made with Forced Labour Yesterday, the European Parliament approved a new #regulation that prohibits the sale, import, and export of goods manufactured using forced labour. The regulation was overwhelmingly supported in the vote and will come into effect in three years following formal approval from the Council of the European Union. 🔍 Regulation Highlights: #Investigations: The EU can now investigate goods, supply chains, and manufacturers suspected of using forced labour. If confirmed, such products will be banned from the EU market. High-Risk Areas: Products originating from regions with a high risk of forced labour are subject to particular scrutiny. Re-entry Conditions: Products removed can return to the market once forced labour is fully eliminated from their production processes. 🌍 Impact on Companies: Compliance is Key: Companies must ensure their supply chains are free from forced labour to avoid severe penalties, including fines and mandatory withdrawal of products. Proactive Measures: It is advisable to audit and possibly restructure supply chains to comply with the new regulation. ☝️For businesses within the EU or those exporting to the #EU, now is the time to review and, if necessary, adjust your compliance strategies. Ensuring your supply chains are transparent and free from forced labour is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. #EURegulations #ForcedLabour #Compliance #ESG #SupplyChain

It’s official - with 555 votes in favor, six against, and 45 abstentions. The new EU Forced Labor ban will be enforced on goods made outside the EU by forced labour and on products manufactured in the EU with parts made abroad by forced labour. https://lnkd.in/eSnbM66K. See our last comparison article https://lnkd.in/eP2E8yki if you are importing goods into the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU). Follow The Traceability Times https://lnkd.in/eaJF5qqw for regular policy maker updates on the regulatory lens of due diligence and traceability for imports. Connect with HAP for support in establishing best practice in your due diligence or traceability system or to be a cited contributor to our upcoming series on the use of Social Audits in regulatory due diligence. Please reach out to us at: https://lnkd.in/gbU5hzAY or 1️⃣💬DM or 2️⃣ contact one of our team members here: 👋 https://lnkd.in/dfZwPma6 ✅ Support greater Independence in Environmental & Human Rights Due Diligence Measurement Systems: https://lnkd.in/ehvfDhEc #esg #esgreporting #sustainability #sustainabilityreport #responsiblebusiness #ethics #climatecrisis #climate #bizhumanrights #forcedlabour #modernslavery #ethicalsourcing #SustainableBusiness #EthicalAuditing #OECDGuidance #oecd #supplychain #responsbilebusines #climate #climateaction #hrdd #csddd #cs3dy

🌍📢 A Major Step Towards Sustainability and Human Rights in Europe: The EU has adopted a historic regulation banning the commercialization of products made with forced labor in its market. This measure, applicable to both imported goods and those produced locally, aims to ensure ethical labor practices and combat a global issue. This bold step is a significant stride in addressing a pressing global issue, affecting an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide. 💡 What does this regulation entail? ▪️ Creation of a database to identify products and regions at high risk of forced labor. ▪️ Coordinated investigations and actions between the European Commission and national authorities. ▪️ Mutual recognition principle: decisions made in one country will apply across the EU. 🤝 While this regulation does not impose additional due diligence obligations on companies, it complements initiatives like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), strengthening ethical and sustainability standards. 🔗 This development sends a clear message: forced labor has no place in our supply chains. Together, we are fostering fairer trade and greater respect for human rights. 🙌 https://lnkd.in/dine2aZ9 What are your thoughts on this initiative? How do you think it will impact businesses and consumers? 🌱 #Sustainability #HumanRights #EthicalLabor #EU

🚨 JUST IN: The EU has OFFICIALLY banned products made with forced labour. Yesterday, the EU Council adopted a landmark regulation prohibiting any product made using forced labour from being sold, exported, or made available in the Union market. Here’s what you need to know 👇 1️⃣ What does the ban cover? • Products made with forced labour cannot be placed, sold, or exported in the EU. • The regulation provides a framework for legal action targeting such products. 2️⃣ How will it be enforced? • A new EU database will identify areas and products at high risk of forced labour violations. • Investigations by the Commission and member state authorities can lead to bans, withdrawals, or disposals. • Decisions by one national authority will apply across all EU member states. 3️⃣ What’s next? • This is the last step in the decision-making process. • The regulation will apply in full 3 years after it enters into force. ❗Why this matters: An estimated 27.6 million people worldwide work in forced labour conditions, most within the private sector. This regulation demands greater transparency and accountability from businesses, making ethical sourcing a legal necessity. It’s encouraging to see another critical step forward in creating fairer, more ethical global trade. While legislation like this can take a few years to fully take effect, the scale of change required means businesses must start course-correcting NOW to be ready. _____ ➕ Follow Abbie Morris for posts about sustainability, policy, and startups. 📧 Drop me a DM if you want to learn more about tackling the mountain of sustainability regulation facing the retail industry.

In context: Forced Labour, EU regulations, UK realities and China’s REDLINES. Global Trade Alert: Navigating Forced Labor Regulations in 2024 As a business leader in the UK, are you prepared for the seismic shifts in international trade regulations? The EU’s stance on forced labor, China’s economic red lines, and recent UK legal rulings are creating a complex landscape for companies importing from China and exporting to the EU. Here’s what you need to know: 🇪🇺 EU’s Forced Labor Ban The EU has implemented stringent regulations prohibiting the sale of products made with forced labor. This particularly impacts goods from regions like Xinjiang, China. Key points: 
• All products linked to forced labor are targeted
• EU member states empowered to investigate and ban such products
• Companies held accountable for their entire supply chain 🇨🇳 China’s Economic Red Lines If China views these regulations as potential threats to its sovereignty and economic interests. This creates tension in international trade relations, especially concerning Xinjiang’s cotton industry. 🇬🇧 UK Legal Landscape Recent UK Court of Appeal ruling:
• Companies can be prosecuted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for profiting from forced labor
• Paying a “fair price” doesn’t exempt companies from liability
• Lower evidentiary threshold for investigations 💼 Implications for UK Businesses 1. Increased legal risks when importing from high-risk regions 2. Potential loss of EU market access if compliance isn’t met 3. Need for enhanced supply chain due diligence 4. Rising compliance costs 5. Reputational risks in an era of ethical consumerism 🔍 What’s Next? • Expect increased scrutiny of supply chains
• Invest in robust compliance and due diligence processes
• Stay informed on evolving regulations in the UK, EU, and globally As business leaders, we must adapt to these changes, ensuring our practices are both legally compliant and ethically sound. How is your company preparing for these challenges? #InternationalTrade #SupplyChainEthics #ForcedLabor #BusinessCompliance #GlobalTrade @European Commission @UK Government @China Trade What are your thoughts on these developments? How is your industry responding to these challenges? Let’s discuss in the comments below! 👇