Customs Amendment (Banning Goods Produced By Forced Labour) 2021

# Customs Amendment (Banning Goods Produced By Forced Labour) Bill 2021 ## What it does Australia would ban the import of any goods made using forced labour. The law adds a new rule to Australia's customs system that stops these products at the border. It applies to anything made wholly or partly through forced labour, using the same definition of forced labour that's already in Australia's criminal law. ## Why it matters Many everyday products we buy — clothing, electronics, agricultural goods — come from countries where forced labour is common. This law would prevent Australian consumers from unknowingly buying goods made by exploited workers, and puts pressure on overseas suppliers to improve their practices. ## Key details - **What's banned:** Any imported goods made through forced labour are absolutely prohibited from entering Australia - **When it starts:** The ban applies to goods imported from the day after the law receives royal assent (the day it officially becomes law) - **How enforcement works:** Australian customs officials would use the criminal law definition of "forced labour" to decide what can and can't come in — meaning they'll have a clear legal standard to apply

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament