EU Forced Labour Regulation
EU Forced Labour Regulation is Regulation (EU) 2024/3015, in force since December 13, 2024, that prohibits placing or making available on the EU market, or exporting, products made wholly or partly with forced labour.
What it requires
From December 14, 2027, the ban applies to all products and economic operators regardless of size, including distance sales to EU customers. National authorities and the Commission investigate on a risk basis, supported by a forced labour risk database; if forced labour is found, operators must withdraw the products, remove online listings and dispose of the goods, and customs block them at the border. The Commission published non-binding guidelines in 2026.
Why it matters
Unlike US rules that act mainly at import, the EU ban also covers goods already in EU warehouses and online listings, so inventory held by a 3PL could be ordered withdrawn and disposed of. A brand storing cotton apparel in a Polish fulfillment center would have to pull it from sale if authorities found forced labour in its supply chain. Operators should require supplier traceability and contract terms that assign the costs of withdrawal and disposal.
Related laws
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)2024, applies from 2029 · EU directive on corporate human rights due diligence
- German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)2021, effective 2023 · German law on supply chain human rights due diligence
- UK Modern Slavery Act 20152015 · UK law requiring slavery statements from large firms
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 (EUR-Lex) eur-lex.europa.eu
- Baker McKenzie: EU publishes guidelines on the application of the EU Forced Labour Regulation globalimportblog.bakermckenzie.com
Not legal advice.