The European Parliament approved rules on Tuesday to ban in the EU the sale, import and export of goods made using forced labour, APA reports.
National authorities in the 27-country bloc or the executive Commission will be able to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers. Preliminary investigations should be wrapped up within 30 working days.
If a product is deemed to have been made using forced labour, it will no longer be possible to sell it in the EU market and shipments will be intercepted at the EU's borders.
The EU Parliament approved the law with a large majority of 555 votes in favour, six against, and 45 abstentions.
It still needs approval from EU countries to enter into force - a final step that is usually a formality which approves laws with no changes.
EU countries will have to start applying the law within three years.
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