The Government of Canada has introduced An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour, intending to to strengthen Canada's existing framework aimed at preventing goods made with forced labour from entering the Canadian market.
In 2020, Canada introduced a forced labour import ban under the Customs Tariff to meet CUSMA obligations. This prohibition is enforced at the border by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with support from multiple federal partners. The current framework relies on a risk-based approach to identify shipments of goods that may have been produced by forced labour. Canada, the United States, and Mexico are the only countries with a forced-labour import prohibition in force.
The proposed Act would establish a standalone legislative framework, replacing the current import prohibition under the Customs Tariff. It would strengthen Canada's existing forced labour import ban regime.
The proposed legislation would provide predictability and clarity by identifying goods that may present a higher risk or where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the use of forced labour. It would help businesses ensure that goods entering Canada comply with the law and supports Canadian importers in strengthening their understanding of supply chains and their ability to assess potential exposure to forced labour risks.
According to the Governments, the enhanced framework would promote due diligence practices.
Link: Canada introduces legislation to strengthen the ban on importing goods produced with forced labour