Pakistan bans imports linked to forced labour

The federal government has prohibited the import of goods mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly through forced labour, according to a notification issued on Wednesday.

The restriction has been introduced through an amendment to the Import Policy Order 2022 via a Statutory Regulatory Order issued by the Ministry of Commerce under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950.

Under the amendment, a new sub-paragraph has been added to paragraph 7 of the policy, barring imports of goods associated with forced labour.

The government said that, based on determinations by the International Labour Organization (ILO), it will notify specific goods, entities and countries to which the restriction will apply.

Importers sourcing goods from notified countries will be required to submit documentary evidence or certification to confirm that the products are not linked to forced labour.