Canada moves to ban forced labor products with new import measures

The Canadian government has tabled legislation to crack down on imports of products made with forced labor, a move that aligns the country with international efforts and addresses concerns from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the bill, emphasizing it as a "made-in-Canada solution to an international problem."

“

This will be a made-in-Canada solution to an international problem.

The proposed bill, C-35, would establish a public list of products linked to forced labor in specific regions, based on intelligence from various authorities. Importers would be required to provide proof that their goods from these listed regions are not produced through slavery. This approach shifts the focus from inspecting individual containers to identifying and inspecting higher-risk products, according to parliamentary secretary Rob Oliphant.

This legislation aims to preempt potential U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian imports made with forced labor. While Oliphant stated the bill was not solely a response to American pressure, he acknowledged the U.S. administration's stance. The bill seeks to bring Canada in line with rules being developed by Mexico and the European Union, and reflects wording changes made to customs law in 2020 under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

“

We do not want dumping of cheaper materials, cheaper goods into Canada that are produced with forced labour.

Conservative ethics critic Michael Barrett criticized the government, noting that the new legislation implies the previous system was insufficient, despite government claims that it was already weeding out such products. Oliphant, however, insisted the bill was part of a promise made in late 2024, predating recent U.S. tariff discussions.

“

They’re introducing legislation, saying that it’s going to do the very thing that they said they were already doing.