Forced labor is an egregious practice that generates an estimated US$150 billion in profits each year. The closure of a loophole in the U.S. Tariff Act in 2017 kicked off a wave of forced labor import bans, followed by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in 2022, the EU Forced Labor Regulation in 2027, and numerous forced labor bans that have been or will be implemented in response to U.S. investigations into unfair trade practices. These bans have and will continue to increase pressure on companies to trace, identify risk of forced labor in their supply chains, and to remediate it. Importers have been targeted across products, industries, and geographies, including those sourcing palm oil and rubber gloves from Malaysia, seafood from Taiwanese-, Chinese-, and Fijian-flagged vessels, and tomatoes from Mexico.
Our Theory of Change
In a context of heightened regulatory action and investor expectations, bans on the importation of goods made with forced labor can be a key ingredient in combatting severe human and labor rights abuses in global supply chains.
The Business Case for Action
By identifying and remedying forced labor in their supply chains, companies can significantly reduce the degree of regulatory enforcement risk they face, while preserving their social license to operate.
Current Initiatives
Through a combination of dialogue, policy advocacy and letter writing, ICCR’s members are asking companies in their portfolios to commit to detailed supply chain mapping, and remediation any of forced labor found.
Our Impact
How ICCR is achieving meaningful strides in preventing the import of goods made with forced labor.
ICCR, the Investor Alliance for Human Rights and a number of institutional investors have endorsed a Call to Action, along with over 280 human rights, labor rights, and Uyghur organizations from three dozen countries, asking brands and retailers to make concrete commitments to exit the region.
Companies including Amazon, Apple, Canadian Solar, Caterpillar, Loblaw, Tesla, Texas Instruments, TJX and Walmart, pressed to take action on forced labor in their supply chains since 2022.