New Delhi: India has banned imports of goods produced using forced labor, the trade ministry announced on Tuesday. The step may help avoid new tariffs threatened by a United States investigation.
India is among several countries facing proposed U.S. tariffs of up to 12.5 percent over claims they did not block imports of items made with forced labor.
A ministry notification issued Monday authorizes the central government to prohibit imports of goods made wholly or partly with forced labor.
India’s foreign trade body will examine whether imported goods involved forced labor. If evidence is found, it will recommend a ban after consultations, according to the notification.
The rule takes effect after 30 days.
Most Indian goods currently face a 10 percent U.S. tariff. Washington plans steeper tariffs following separate probes into forced labor and excess industrial capacity.
