推动负责任企业的关键立法

u003ch2 class=u0022page-introu0022u003eLegislation: Modern Slavery Act 2018u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAll companies based in or operating in Australia with an annual revenue of more than AU$100 million.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must u003cstrongu003ereport annually u003c/strongu003eon the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains and the actions taken to address these risks.rnrnReports are submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs and held in a public register – the Modern Slavery Statements Register.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Effective from January 2019.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018A00153u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Decree No. 540/2004 (the “lista suja”/“dirty list”)u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAny employer operating in Brazil, including individuals and businesses.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnDecree No.540/2004 created a public “dirty list” of employers found guilty of exploiting workers under abusive and coercive conditions. The u003ca href=u0022https://www.gov.br/trabalho-e-previdencia/pt-br/pt-br/composicao/orgaos-especificos/secretaria-de-trabalho/inspecao/areas-de-atuacao/combate-ao-trabalho-escravo-e-analogo-ao-de-escravou0022u003elistu003c/au003e is updated every six months.rnrnAny worker located in Brazil, including non-Brazilian workers, can make a complaint about any employer operating in the country, including international businesses. People submit complaints about an employer’s working conditions to the Brazilian Government (specifically the “Ministério do Trabalho e Previdência”, or Labour Ministry) or a civil society organisation.rnrnThe Brazilian Government investigates the complaint and relevant workplace[s]. If the investigation finds that workers are subjected to slave-like conditions, the landowners can be prosecuted and the employer may be fined.rnrnEmployers are also put on the “dirty list”. They are blocked from accessing public financing, and face limited access to private financing. Employers are monitored for two years before their name can be removed from the list.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective since 2004rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://accountabilityhub.org/provision/interministerial-ordinance-2-articles-1-4/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2 class=u0022page-introu0022u003eLegislation: Conflict Minerals Regulationu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnEU-based importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and their ores, and gold.rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEU importers of tin, tantalum, and tungsten, and their ores and gold areas need to u003cstrongu003ereportu003c/strongu003e on supply chain due diligence obligations.rnrnImporters sourcing these minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas must provide extra information like which mine was used.rnrnDue diligence is recognised as “an ongoing, proactive and reactive process through which economic operators [businesses] monitor and administer their purchases and sales with a view to ensuring that they do not contribute to conflict or the adverse impacts.”rnrnThird-party auditing and public reporting are stated as actions companies can take.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from January 2021.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/new-eu-conflict-minerals-regulation-what-you-need-to-know/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Forced labour product banu003c/h2u003ernIn September 2022 the European Commission proposed a law to ban products made with forced labour from the EU market. It won’t come into effect for at least two years, and there’s still a lot we don’t yet know, but it could be hugely significant for businesses – so we recommend starting to prepare for it.rnrnu003cstrongu003eWho will it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAll products, sectors and businesses in the European Union (EU). The legislation would ban any products, including their components, made with forced labour from the EU market – even if the forced labour has taken place outside of the EU.rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it could mean for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnWhere authorities in EU countries suspect that forced labour has been used to make a product or any of its parts, they would carry out an investigation. If they find that forced labour has been used, they can ban and seize the relevant items – causing disruption and financial loss to businesses. EU countries may also introduce fines or other penalties.rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eIn draft, expected to apply from 2025 or 2026.  The European Commission’s proposal is now being reviewed by other EU governing bodies, and there will be a preparation period after the final version is signed into law.rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cuu003eu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/the-eu-forced-labour-ban-what-you-need-to-know/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003eu003c/uu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Non-Financial Reporting Directiveu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnApproximately 6,000 large companies and groups across the EU, including:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eListed companiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eBanksu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eInsurance companiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eOther companies designated by national authorities as public-interest entities.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must publish reports on the policies they implement in relation to:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eEnvironmental protectionu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eSocial responsibility and treatment of employeesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eRespect for human rightsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAnti-corruption and briberyu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eDiversity on company boards (in terms of age, gender, educational and professional background).u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernCompanies are given flexibility on how they disclose. They can use the UN Global Compact (UNGC) framework, OCED Guidelines, or the ISO 26000 framework.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from January 2018.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/non-financial-reporting_enu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eu003c/h2u003ernu003ch2u003eLegislation: Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulationu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eFund management companiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAsset management companiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eInstitutional investorsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eFinancial advisorsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eCertain other regulated firms in the EU.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must disclose whether they consider negative impacts on the environment and social justice of their investment decisions and advice.rnrnCompanies must publish a statement on the due diligence policies and related actions concerning principal adverse impacts of investment decisions on sustainability factors.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from March 2021.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.kirkland.com/publications/kirkland-alert/2021/02/sustainable-finance-disclosure-regulationu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligenceu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eEU companies with more than 500 employees that generate a turnover greater than EUR 150 million, or non-EU companies that generate a turnover greater than EUR 150 million in the Union each yearu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eEU companies with more than 250 employees that generate a turnover of more than EUR 40 million, and non-EU companies that generate a turnover between EUR 40 million–EUR 150 million in the Union in the last financial year, operating in high risk sectors such textiles and leather manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, minerals and mining.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnA draft legislative proposal outlines responsibilities for businesses regarding the social and environmental impact of their own operations, their subsidiaries’ operations, and their suppliers’ operations. It sets out companies’ responsibility to identify risks, prevent adverse impacts in their supply chains and operations, communicate progress, and provide remedy where appropriate.rnrnCompanies will be legally responsible for respecting workers’ rights, through tackling issues such as child or forced labour and discrimination.  Companies of a certain size will also have to adopt a plan to ensure that their business strategy is compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eUpcoming – the European Commission published their draft legislative proposal in February 2022. Next steps are for this draft to go to the European Parliament and EU Council for their approval. If and when adopted, Member States will have two years to translate the legislative directive into national laws.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/sedex-statement-on-human-rights-due-diligence-in-the-european-union/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Corporate Duty of Vigilance Lawu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to? u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies that are employing at least:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003e5,000 employees (at the end of two consecutive years)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e10,000 employees within the company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies must identify and prevent adverse human rights and environmental impacts resulting from their own activities and of their suppliers and subcontractors.rnrnCompanies are required to establish, publish and implement an annual, public vigilance plan. The plan must include measures to identify and prevent potential and actual human rights and environmental risks.rnrnInterested parties can require judicial authorities to order a company to publish and implement a vigilance plan, or account for its absence.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from March 2017.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/french-duty-of-vigilance-law-english-translation/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: CSR Directive Implementation Actu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies with any of the following criteria:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eMore than 500 employees and an annual turnover above €40 millionu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eA balance sheet total of more than €20 million.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must disclose information on non-financial matters, with a minimum requirement to disclose information on environment, social and employee-related matters, on respect for human rights and on anti-corruption and bribery.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from April 2017.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.globalcompact.de/wAssets/docs/Reporting/NFE_Studie_Online_englisch_181015.pdfu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Supply Chain Due Diligence Actu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003e2023: Companies based in Germany, or German-registered branches of foreign companies, with more than 3,000 employeesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e2024: Companies based in Germany, or German-registered branches of foreign companies. with more than 1,000 employees.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies must conduct supply chain due diligence activities to make sure social and environmental standards are observed in their supply chain. They include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eRisk analysis of business activities to assess adverse effects on human rights. Companies must monitor their own operations and their direct suppliers worldwideu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eA duty to take measures if violations are discovered or potential impacts identified, to prevent adverse effects and to provide access to remediesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eA gradual responsibility applies to indirect suppliers beyond tier 1. A risk analysis is only required if an employee of an indirect supplier makes a complaint to the German companyu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eCompanies must publish an annual report outlining the steps they have taken to identify and address risks, including those in specific areas such as forced labour and environmental degradationu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eFines for companies in cases of violations. These could be up to €800,000, or up to 2% of a company’s annual global turnover.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Passed in June 2021; becomes effective from January 2023.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/germanys-new-supply-chain-due-diligence-act-what-you-need-to-know/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reportingu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnThe top 1,000 listed companies in India (by market capitalisation).rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnThe top 1,000 listed companies must report on certain business responsibility and sustainability indicators.rnrnThis framework incorporates existing requirements: the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) and previous Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR) requirements.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Effective from April 2021.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://indien.ahk.de/news/news-details/default-7a5a5bbe8eu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Legislative Decree no.254u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eItalian companies that trade on Italian or EU-regulated marketsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eBanksu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eInsurance companies with 500+ employees, a balance sheet of €20 million and a net turnover of €40 million.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must publish a non-financial statement that contains information on the impact of business activities on environmental and social matters, human rights, anti-corruption and bribery.rnrnThe statement must include identification of the principle risks and the products and services that are likely to give rise to adverse impacts in any of these areas.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from January 2017.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.lw.com/thoughtLeadership/italy-directive-non-financial-disclosures-large-european-undertakingsu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Child Labour Due Diligence Actu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAll companies that sell or supply goods or services to Dutch consumers, regardless of size or legal form.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnAll companies that sell or supply goods or services to Dutch end users are required to submit a statement declaring they conduct ‘due diligence’ related to child labour in their supply chains.rnrnDue diligence involves investigating where there is suspicion that a product or service has been made with child labour and developing an action plan to address this.rnrnThere are criminal sanctions for companies that fail to produce a statement, carry out an investigation, or establish an action plan to address child labour.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Effective from 2022, to allow companies time to investigate their supply chains.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.allenovery.com/en-gb/global/news-and-insights/publications/mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-laws-the-netherlands-led-the-way-in-addressing-child-labour-and-contemplates-broader-action#:~:text=This%20article%20focuses%20on%20the,by%20companies%20around%20the%20world.u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2 class=u0022page-introu0022u003eLegislation: Transparency Actu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies registered in Norway, or foreign companies selling in Norway, that meet at least two of three criteria:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eAt least 50 full-time employees (or equivalent annual man-hours)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAn annual turnover of at least NOK 70 millionu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eA balance sheet sum of at least NOK 35 million.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies must conduct human rights due diligence assessments on their operations and their entire supply chain, including business partners. They must take steps to prevent and limit human rights violations identified through these assessments, and must provide or cooperate with efforts to remedy any violations.rnrnCompanies must report on all of these activities and make this information available on their corporate websites. Companies are also legally obliged to respond to information requests from individuals about the human rights risks in their operations, and their related due diligence activities.rnrnIf a company does not comply with this law, they could face fines or injunctions.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Passed in June 2021, becoming effective on 1 July 2022.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022http://forumfor.no/en/news/2021/forums-reactions-to-the-norwegian-due-diligence-lawu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Swiss Responsible Business Initiative (counter proposal)u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnPublicly traded companies and regulated entities with 500+ employees and either a balance sheet sum of CHF 20 million or a turnover of CHF 40 million.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnEligible companies must prepare a report on non-financial matters, including environmental and social matters, respect for human rights, and anti-corruption. The report must extend to controlled entities worldwide.rnrnThe report must describe due diligence practices and processes applied in relation to these matters, the main risks associated with them, and the relevant measures taken.rnrnThe counter proposal includes specific supply chain-related due diligence duties in relation to conflict minerals and child labour. It includes criminal sanctions in the form of fines for non-compliance with the applicable annual reporting duties or for making false statements.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eUpcoming – a draft of the legislation is expected in 2021.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.mondaq.com/corporate-and-company-law/1011262/counter-proposal-to-responsible-business-initiative-overview-of-new-duties-for-companiesu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Modern Slavery Act 2015u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnCurrently: Commercial organisations doing business in the UK and generating a turnover of £36 million or more.rnrnProposed updates to the legislation will also include requiring public bodies with a budget of £36 million or more to regularly report on the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies must issue an annual statement setting out the steps taken to address modern slavery in their supply chain.rnrnProposed new measures include:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eThere are key topics that modern slavery statements must cover (e.g. risk assessment)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eOrganisations with a budget of £36 million or more in all sectors must publish their modern slavery statements on a new digital government reporting service (to be released in 2021)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eStatements must include the date of Board approval and Director sign-offu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eGroup statements must identify every entity within the Group’s remitu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe introduction of financial penalties for organisations who fail to meet their obligations under the Act to publish annual modern slavery statements.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cstrongu003eStatus:u003c/strongu003e Effective from October 2015, with proposed new measures applying soon (exact date to be confirmed).rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://sdgresources.relx.com/articles-features/supply-chain-due-diligence-under-modern-slavery-actu0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Plastic Packaging Taxu003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnCompanies in the UK that are either importing in, or manufacturing, more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnThese companies must pay a tax on the plastic packaging they make or import. They must pay £200 per tonne of plastic containing less than 30% of recycled plastic.rnrnCompanies must also keep records to show where plastic packaging does contain at least 30% recycled plastic to claim exemptions from the tax.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from April 2022rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cuu003eu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/the-uk-plastics-packaging-tax/u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003eu003c/uu003e

u003ch2u003eLegislation: Transparency in Supply Chains Act 2010 (State of California)u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnRetailers and manufacturers doing business in California with annual gross receipts (all revenue before costs) exceeding US $100 million.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eEligible retailers and manufacturers must publish annual reports detailing their efforts to eradicate human trafficking in their direct supply chains.rnrnThey must include the areas of verification, audits, certification, internal accountability, and training.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from January 2012.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://oag.ca.gov/SB657u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernu003ch2u003eLegislation: Section 307 of the Tariff Act 1930 (Federal)u003c/h2u003ernu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAny business in any country outside of the USA.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnThis Section prohibits the importing of merchandise mined, produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, in any foreign country by forced or indentured labour, including forced child labour.rnrnThe US Customs and Border Patrol can take action against any companies or products where there is reasonable evidence to suspect forced labour has been used. This can include blocking or seizing goods at customs, preventing them from being sold or distributed through the USA (a “withhold release order”).rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from 1930, with an amendment in February 2016 to close a legal loophole.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/forced-laboru0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eLegislation: Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Actu003c/h2u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003eWho does it apply to?u003c/strongu003ernrnAny company importing items into the USA from the Xinjiang region in China,rnrnu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat it means for businessesu003c/strongu003ernrnThe Act aims to prevent any goods made with forced labor from entering the USA.rnrnThe Act presumes that any goods or merchandise “produced, or manufactured wholly or in part” in Xinjiang, China, were made with forced labor by Uyghurs or other persecuted groups. The law requires any company wanting to import goods from this region into the USA to provide “clear and convincing” evidence that items were made without forced labor.rnrnThe US government’s guidance lists evidence that importers can rely on, including supply chain mapping indicating sites where goods are produced; information on workers at the site, including wage and recruitment practices; and audits to identify and remediate forced labor.rnrnu003cstrongu003eStatus: u003c/strongu003eEffective from 21 June 2022rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch2u003eu003ca class=u0022buttonu0022 href=u0022https://www.sedex.com/legislation-update-march-2022/#_edn1u0022u003eRead moreu003c/au003eu003c/h2u003e