India has announced a prohibition on the import of goods produced wholly or partially through forced labour, marking a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening ethical trade practices and aligning with evolving global trade standards.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through a notification issued on Monday, has empowered the Central Government to prohibit the import of goods found to have been manufactured using forced labour. The new provisions will come into force 30 days after the notification.
Under the revised framework, India’s foreign trade authorities will investigate cases where imported goods are suspected of being produced using forced labour. If evidence confirms such practices, the authorities will recommend a ban on the import of those products following consultations with the government.
The move comes at a crucial time as the United States is reviewing trade measures against several countries, including India, over concerns related to forced labour in global supply chains. Washington is considering imposing additional tariffs of up to 12.5% on countries that do not maintain adequate restrictions on imports linked to forced labour.
At present, most Indian exports to the U.S. are subject to a baseline tariff of 10%. However, the proposed additional duties are being examined under separate U.S. investigations into forced labour and industrial overcapacity.
Trade experts believe India’s decision demonstrates its commitment to responsible sourcing and international labour standards while helping safeguard its export competitiveness in key global markets. The measure is also expected to strengthen India’s compliance with emerging due diligence requirements adopted by several major trading partners.
The notification reinforces India’s efforts to ensure that imported products entering the domestic market adhere to internationally accepted labour practices, while supporting fair and transparent global supply chains.