New Delhi : The Government of India has introduced a significant amendment in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, prohibiting the import of goods produced or manufactured using forced labour.
The notification has been issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, through Notification No. 23/2026-27 dated July 13, 2026.
According to the notification, a new provision Para 2.20B has been inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which states that the import of goods produced or manufactured, wholly or partly, through the use of forced labour shall be prohibited.
The Central Government will have the authority to specify, through notifications issued from time to time, the categories of goods whose import will be restricted under this provision. Such decisions will be based on findings of inquiries or any other relevant information considered appropriate by the government.
DGFT to Conduct Inquiry into Forced Labour Usage
The notification further states that the procedure for conducting inquiries into the use of forced labour in the production of goods will be prescribed under the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023.
The amendment aims to strengthen India’s trade framework by ensuring that imported goods entering the country are not linked to exploitative labour practices.
Definition of Forced Labour Added to FTP 2023
Along with the import restriction, the government has also inserted a new definition under Chapter 11 (Definitions) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
As per the newly added Para 11.64, “Forced Labour” means:
“All work or service which is extracted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily,”
as defined under the International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).
Notification to Come Into Effect After 30 Days
The DGFT notification states that the new provisions will come into effect after the expiry of 30 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
The amendment empowers the Central Government to prohibit imports of goods produced through forced labour and establishes a stronger mechanism for preventing such products from entering the Indian market.
Strengthening Ethical and Responsible Trade Practices
The move is expected to promote ethical sourcing, responsible supply chains, and compliance with international labour standards. It also aligns India’s trade policy with global efforts to eliminate forced labour and ensure respect for human rights in manufacturing and commerce.
The notification has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry and has been signed by Shri Lav Agarwal, Director General of Foreign Trade & Additional Secretary to the Government of India.