Sri Lanka bans import of goods produced with forced labour

Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a gazette notification, has prohibitted the importation of any goods that are mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly by forced labour.

The order has been isued by the President in terms of the powers vested in him under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act.

According to the gazette notification, importers of goods originating from any notified entity or country shall furnish such documentary evidence, declarations or certification as may be prescribed by the Director General of Customs, from time to time, to establish that the goods sought to be imported are not mined, produced or manufactured wholly or partly by forced labour.

"The Minister may, from time to time, notify such goods, entities or countries to which these regulations shall apply, having regard to determinations of the International Labour Organisation.

For the purposes of these regulations, the Director General of Customs shall be the responsible regulatory authority and may issue Departmental orders prescribing the administrative procedures for the enforcement of these regulations in accordance with the Customs Ordinance," the gazette notification further added.