India to Introduce Import Ban on Goods Made Using Forced Labour with New Trade Rules

India has revised its Foreign Trade Policy to ban the import of goods manufactured through forced labour. The new rules, notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), align with International Labour Organization's (ILO) standards and are set to become effective 30 days post-publication, as per the news report. 

New Trade Policy Amendment 

The amended policy includes Paragraph 2.20B, prohibiting imports of goods made wholly or partially using forced labour. This change empowers the Central Government to notify and restrict products after thorough inquiry. India's definition of forced labour is now in accordance with the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). 

Under this definition, forced labour involves work or service exacted from any person under the threat of a penalty and without voluntary consent. 

Government's Implementation Mechanism 

The DGFT will be responsible for conducting inquiries to assess whether goods have been produced using forced labour, following procedures outlined in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023. The government may ban imports based on the inquiry's findings or any other pertinent material. 

Alignment with International Standards 

The amendment aligns India’s trade policy with internationally accepted norms. By adopting the definitions set out by the ILO, India is strengthening its trade framework to ensure no forced labour involvement in imported goods. 

Read More: India's Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June 2026; Food Inflation at 5.32%! 

Regulatory Approval and Timeline 

The notification was issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, backed by the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Industry. The provisions will become effective after 30 days from the notification's official publication in the Gazette. 

Conclusion 

India's amendment to its Foreign Trade Policy prohibits the importation of goods manufactured via forced labour. The DGFT will conduct necessary inquiries, and the rules will take effect 30 days after publication in the Official Gazette. 

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