Import curbs imposed to combat forced labour

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has imposed restrictions on the import of goods from countries and entities involved in forced labour, in a move aimed at aligning Pakistan’s trade regime with international human rights obligations. The Commerce Ministry has issued a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to give effect to the decision, following recommendations from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources, which had proposed banning imports linked to violations of international labour standards. According to S. R. O. 704(I)/2026, issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the federal government has amended the Import Policy Order, 2022. In paragraph 7 of the Order, a new sub-paragraph has been inserted after sub-paragraph (2), stating: “Import from entities or countries of goods mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly by forced labour is prohibited. ” READ MORE: Informal economy: Over 80pc of workers employed with limited rights, social security: ILO The SRO further states that, based on determinations by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the federal government will from time to time notify specific goods, entities, and countries of origin to which this restriction will apply. It adds that importers of goods from any notified country will be required to submit documentary evidence or certification, as prescribed, to establish that the imported goods have not been mined, produced, or manufactured using forced labour. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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