Guidelines on the EU Forced Labour Regulation

Guidelines on the implementation of the EU rules on forced labour

Update

The European Commission is requesting input from stakeholders to inform its proposed new guidelines on implementing the Forced Labour Regulation.

Regulation 2024/3015 will apply from 14 December 2027. It prohibits operators from placing products made with forced labour on the EU market, and prohibits the export of such products from the EU.

The Commission’s call for evidence from stakeholders closes on 6 March 2026.

Impacted Products

All products

What is changing?

The EU is inviting contributions to help develop its proposed guidelines for implementing the Forced Labour Regulation 2024/3015. These will include guidelines for:

• competent authorities on the practical implementation of the Regulation
• economic operators on due diligence related to forced labour (e.g. monitoring, auditing, and documentation of labour practices along the supply chain)
• civil society organisations, victims, and other stakeholders on how to submit information regarding potential violations of the ban.

By consulting widely on the core elements of the forthcoming guidelines, the European Commission aims to ensure they are comprehensive, clear, and fit for purpose.

For further information on the Regulation, see Prohibition of products made with forced labour.

Why?

The Forced Labour Regulation (Art. 11) requires the European Commission to publish implementation guidelines by 14 June 2026. These guidelines are intended to help competent authorities, businesses, and stakeholders apply the Regulation in a practical and effective way, while also reducing the burden on administrations and companies.

Timeline

The call for evidence closes on 6 March 2026. The European Commission will publish the implementation guidelines by 14 June 2026.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Exporters and producers in non-EU countries will need to ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labour. This may require enhanced monitoring, auditing, and documentation of labour practices across all suppliers and subcontractors.

Countries participating in EU trade schemes such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences and Economic Partnership Agreements may see their market access affected if forced labour risks are not mitigated.

Recommended Actions

Stakeholders are encouraged to give feedback via the European Commission’s Have Your Say webpage Guidelines on the implementation of the EU rules on forced labour until 6 March 2026.

Stakeholders wishing to respond must be registered. Those who do not already have an account will first need to Create an EU login account, then register their organisation on the EU Transparency register.

Background

Forced labour is a global issue that violates human dignity and fundamental rights, and perpetuates poverty, obstructing the Sustainable Development Goal of decent work for all. The International Labour Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are subject to forced labour (ILO et al. 2022). Recognised by the ILO as a fundamental rights principle, its elimination requires international cooperation across interconnected global supply chains.

The EU Forced Labour Regulation has been in force since 13 December 2024, and will apply from 14 December 2027. It prohibits economic operators from placing on the EU market, or exporting, products made with forced labour. To ensure effective implementation, the European Commission will cooperate and exchange information with non-EU authorities, international organisations, civil society, trade unions, and business groups. Cooperation will be structured through existing frameworks including human rights and political dialogues, trade and sustainable development dialogues, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, and EU development initiatives.

Resources

Sources