Statement: EU Forced Labour Regulation must not be delayed
amfori calls on the European Parliament to allow the proposed Forced Labour Regulation to pass through the legislative process without undue delay.
amfori is a global association representing 2500 retailers, importers and brand-names importing and selling consumer goods. We believe in responsible business and sustainable supply chains. We therefore support the proposed regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour on the EU market. It should prove to be an important tool in the elimination of this abhorrent practice.
amfori welcomes the draft report by co-rapporteurs Samira Rafaela and Maria Marques on the Forced Labour Regulation. It encompasses many of the points in our position paper and other important issues such as remediation.
It is now critical that the legislative process is allowed to continue without delay. The longer the regulation is not in force, the longer the incentive to subject people to forced labour conditions will remain.
Calls for an impact assessment are not only unnecessary (the Commission already conducted a study that supports such legislation) but will certainly delay – possibly completely derail – the process and allow this abhorrent practice to continue.
We therefore call upon MEPs to come together and ensure that they close their 2019-2024 term with the legacy of passing legislation that will have positive effect on the lives of workers producing the products we all consume.
