Govt bans imports linked to forced labour

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has barred the import of goods made wholly or partly through forced labour, introducing tighter compliance requirements for importers under a new statutory regulatory order (SRO) issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

The measure amends the Import Policy Order, 2022, under Section 3 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950. Under the revised framework, products will not be allowed into Pakistan if they are found to have been mined, produced or manufactured using forced labour, irrespective of the country of origin or the entity involved.

The SRO states that importers will have to provide verifiable proof showing that the goods they seek to bring into the country are free from forced labour. The move establishes a stricter documentation regime aimed at improving transparency in supply chains.

The order further says the federal government will notify, from time to time, the goods, entities and countries of origin to which the restriction will apply, based on determinations made by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

It also makes clear that importers sourcing goods from notified countries will be required to submit documentary evidence or certification, as prescribed from time to time, to establish that the products were not mined, produced or manufactured through forced labour.

Broader compliance framework

Officials said the restriction will cover all relevant sectors, indicating that the policy is not limited to a single industry. The government will identify goods, entities and countries where forced labour is suspected by relying on internationally recognised benchmarks and guidelines.

Once such goods or regions are identified, a dedicated scrutiny mechanism will be put in place for imports coming from flagged areas. Those imports will face enhanced inspection and verification procedures under the new system.

Importers will also have to provide certified documentation or other acceptable evidence from relevant authorities to show that forced labour was not involved at any stage of production.

The SRO says the identification of high-risk goods and regions will be carried out in line with parameters set by the ILO, a step presented as part of Pakistan’s alignment with internationally accepted labour standards and practices.

The new import restriction marks a policy shift toward stronger oversight of supply chains and places additional compliance obligations on businesses importing goods into Pakistan.