Sri Lanka enforces ban on imports of forced labour-made goods

The Sri Lankan government has moved to ban the import of goods produced using forced labour.The order has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.Accordingly, with effect from July 10, the import of any goods that have been wholly or partially mined, manufactured, or produced using forced labour will be prohibited.The order states that the Minister will periodically identify the goods or countries to which the regulations apply, taking into account decisions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).Importers will also be required to submit documents to the Director General of Customs confirming that imported goods have not been produced or manufactured using forced labour.The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed imposing additional import tariffs on goods from 60 countries, including Sri Lanka, citing insufficient measures to prevent the import of products made with forced labour.Under the proposal, Sri Lanka would face an additional 12.5% import tariff.The United States had stated that the tariff was being introduced because Sri Lanka had not taken adequate steps to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labour or effectively enforce such regulations.However, under the new regulation announced by the Sri Lankan government, the import of goods produced or manufactured using forced labour is now prohibited.