The U.S. Department of Labor has released a list of goods believed to have been produced using forced child labor globally.
The Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) released three reports today—including the anticipated List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor. The document identifies 122 products from 58 countries of high risk with regard to the involvement of child or forced labor. The report was issued to comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (TVPRA). ILAB’s list, which is now accessible to the public, will be updated periodically.
The Business Implications:
Global vendors and suppliers should pay close attention to the List of Goods Produced by Child or Forced Labor report because it is likely to affect U.S. importers' assessment of risks associated with sourcing from particular countries and may increase consumer pressure for increased transparency and traceability of the listed products. Companies operating in the manufacturing sectors or the countries that are identified in the report should expect increased scrutiny by the public, the media, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. For these companies, the need to mitigate their risk will be critical.
Notable Countries Referred to in the Report:
- Bangladesh (Shrimp)
- China (Electronics, Textiles and Toys)
- Democratic Republic of Congo (Diamonds and Gold)
- Dominican Republic (Sugarcane)
- India (Garments)
- Ivory Coast (Cocoa)
- Jordan (Garments)
- Malaysia (Garments)
- Mexico (Melons)
- Nigeria (Cocoa)
- Thailand (Shrimp)
- Uzbekistan (Cotton)
Most Common Agricultural Goods Listed:
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Rice
- Cocoa
Most Common Manufacturing Goods Listed:
- Bricks
- Garments
- Carpets
- Footwear
Most Common Mined or Quarried Goods Listed:
STR Recommendations:
STR recommends that you consider a special focus on child and forced labor standards that have been published by international organizations, such as the International Labor Organization, to assure that the appropriate measures are taken and implemented at the facilities where you are sourcing. Being well-informed is a good way for companies to overcome hurdles in a changing legislative landscape. STR-RS offers a host of strategic tools to help companies manage global risk—including the use of child and forced labor in supply chains. Our services range from customized client seminars, e-training sessions, our repository of global child and forced labor laws, to custom gap analysis between ILO standards and country laws.