COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has banned the import of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour, in a move aimed at strengthening labour standards and aligning the country’s trade regulations with international obligations.
The new regulation, issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, came into effect on July 10.
Under the order, the import of any goods that have been wholly or partially mined, manufactured or produced using forced labour is prohibited.
The regulation empowers the Minister of Finance to periodically identify the goods or countries to which the prohibition will apply, taking into consideration decisions and recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Importers will also be required to submit documentary evidence to the Director General of Customs certifying that imported goods have not been produced or manufactured using forced labour.
The move comes amid growing international scrutiny of supply chains and labour practices, particularly following a proposal by US President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on imports from around 60 countries, including Sri Lanka.
Under the US proposal, Sri Lankan exports would be subject to an additional 12.5% tariff, with Washington citing concerns that Sri Lanka had not taken sufficient measures to prohibit the import of goods made with forced labour or adequately enforce relevant regulations.
The new import restrictions are expected to bring Sri Lanka’s trade framework more closely in line with international labour standards while strengthening safeguards against forced labour in global supply chains.
-ENCL
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