Joint statement on the proposed regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour

CLEPA, together with 7 other associations have signed a statement on the proposed regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour in the Single Market. The organisations condemn the use of forced labour, which has no place in the supply chains of European products, support the Union’s objectives and want to ensure that the new legislation is workable and effective.

The signatories and their members endorse a proportionate, risk-based approach under the international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration and Standards that allows companies to prioritise their due diligence efforts and respect the principle of responsible disengagement.

The joint statement recommends policymakers to carefully consider:

1) Union interest and governance: increasing the role of the Commission
2) No reversal of the burden of proof
3) Focus on a workable and effective mechanism instead of a litigation-oriented
framework
4) Ensure policy coherence