Forced labour import bans gain momentum as international pressure grows for stronger enforcement

The number of forced labour import bans has increased as governments around the world face increasing pressure to strengthen trade measures and address exploitation in international supply chains.

New bans introduced by governments, including Indonesia, Pakistan, and El Salvador, indicate forced labour is no longer a marginal ethical concern, but a core trade, competitiveness, and governance issue.

Appropriate enforcement, worker protections, and international cooperation are essential for the forced labour bans to effectively tackle worker exploitation.

Investigations by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) into import bans are increasing pressure on governments to adopt bans and enforce them effectively.

The United States signed trade agreements or frameworks with as many as 14 countries in 2025 and 2026 containing commitments linked to forced labour import bans or broader action on unfair trade practices, according to recent research from Harvard Kennedy School.

International developments, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership processes, and the European Union Forced Labour Regulation, are also increasing expectations around stronger enforcement and import controls.

Indonesia specifically cited its OECD accession process as a driver behind its new forced labour import ban measures.

Indonesia’s new import restrictions linked to forced labour came into force on 15 April 2026.

The country’s regulation states, “importers may only import goods that are not produced from business activities involving forced labour”.

The Minister of Trade will establish an inter-ministerial investigation team to investigate allegations received through complaints or information submitted by people or institutions supported by evidence. Importers will have 7 days to respond to allegations.

While the regulation has entered into force, a lot of the operational details are still missing.

Pakistan amended its Import Policy Order, 2022, in April 2026 to prohibit goods linked to forced labour.

The amendment states, “import of goods mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly by forced labour from any entity or country is prohibited.”

The government has announced it will issue notifications identifying goods, entities, and high-risk source countries where restrictions will apply.

Importers must also provide evidence showing notified goods are not produced with forced labour.

El Salvador approved reforms to the Organic Law of the General Directorate of Customs in March 2026 to strengthen scrutiny of imports linked to child labour and forced labour.

Importers will be required to submit a declaration to ensure goods entering the country are not made with child labour or forced labour.

Authorities can request additional documentation from importers if reasonable doubts exist. If authorities determine false information was submitted, penalties will apply, and goods may be detained or denied entry.

While these developments highlight modern slavery risks in global supply chains, bans alone are not enough to stop exploitation. Without effective enforcement, they risk becoming symbolic measures shifting harm rather than stopping it.

Effective import bans require clear risk-based targeting, properly resourced customs authorities, and coordination across labour, trade, and enforcement agencies.

The most effective way to combat harm is to combine forced labour bans with mandatory human rights due diligence measures across supply chains.

Governments should also provide practical guidance for businesses, especially in high-risk sectors, to ensure expectations are clear and compliance is achievable.

Worker-centred design and international cooperation will play a critical role in determining whether forced labour import bans create meaningful change.

Accessible grievance mechanisms, safe remediation pathways, and protections against retaliation are essential for affected workers.

Governments also need stronger cooperation across jurisdictions, including data sharing and alignment on enforcement approaches, to prevent tainted goods from being redirected into other markets.

There is reason for both optimism and caution as governments strengthen forced labour import controls.

Forced labour import bans can help protect workers and reward responsible business practices when backed by enforcement, business guidance, and political will.

If these supporting measures are not included, bans risk becoming paper promises with little real change for workers.