The Government of Canada is moving forward with its commitment to strengthen the ban on imports of goods produced with forced labor. This initiative follows the government’s announcement in December 2024 regarding its intention to introduce new legislative measures to fortify Canada’s stance against forced labor in global supply chains.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has launched public consultations which will remain open from July 27 to August 21, 2026, on the Consulting with Canadians platform. Stakeholder feedback will be gathered on several crucial aspects:
- Identification of suspect goods: The consultations will focus on the approach, evidence, criteria, and methods for identifying goods suspected of being produced with forced labor. The objective is to ensure a well-designed and equitable process is in place before any goods are officially listed.
- Importer requirements under Bill C-35: Input is also being sought on the specific information that importers of listed goods would be required to provide under the proposed Bill C-35. This forthcoming legislation is expected to create a new framework where importers would bear the responsibility of demonstrating that their products are free from forced labor if they appear on such a list.
These consultations are a vital opportunity for stakeholders to influence the practical implementation of these upcoming legislative changes, helping to shape a framework that is both effective in combatting forced labor and feasible for businesses to navigate.
What this means for your business:
- Enhanced scrutiny: Increased attention will be placed on the origins and production methods of imported goods.
- New compliance burdens: Businesses importing goods that may be deemed “suspect” could face new requirements to provide detailed evidence of due diligence.
Livingston will continue to monitor these developments closely and provide updates to help our clients understand and prepare for the evolving regulatory landscape in global trade.
Learn more:
If you have any questions, please contact your Livingston account representative.