India has tightened its import regulations by amending trade policy to explicitly prohibit the entry of goods manufactured using forced labour.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) introduced the measure to align domestic trade frameworks with international labour standards, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to ethical supply chains.
The policy change is designed to bolster India's position in ongoing international trade discussions, particularly regarding the US Section 301 investigation.
By adopting stricter compliance norms, New Delhi aims to demonstrate its commitment to fair labour practices, which could mitigate potential trade friction with Western partners.
Market access to the European Union is a key driver behind the move.
The EU has increasingly tied market entry to compliance with forced labour norms, and India's new regulations are expected to help exporters navigate these requirements more effectively.