The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has notified a formal procedure for determining whether goods imported into India have been produced, wholly or in part, using forced labour. The procedure has been introduced through Public Notice No. 21/2026-27 dated 13 July 2026, by inserting Para 2.50A in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.
The Public Notice has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Paragraph 1.03 read with Paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time. The newly inserted Para 2.50A lays down the mechanism to be followed for examining imports where concerns arise regarding the use of forced labour in the production of such goods.
Under the notified procedure, the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) may initiate an inquiry suo motu or upon receipt of information or a complaint supported by credible material. The inquiry will seek to ascertain whether any goods imported into India have been produced, either wholly or partly, using forced labour.
For the purpose of conducting such an inquiry, the DGFT may seek relevant information, documents or clarifications from importers, exporters, manufacturers, or any other person or authority considered necessary. This provision enables the DGFT to obtain material required for a comprehensive examination of the matter.
During the course of the inquiry, the DGFT may also consult relevant Ministries, Departments, agencies and other stakeholders, wherever considered necessary. In addition, information or technical inputs may be obtained from any domestic or international organisation, governmental authority or expert body for the purpose of the inquiry.
Upon completion of the inquiry, the DGFT will prepare a report containing its findings regarding the use of forced labour in the production of the goods under examination. Based on the findings, the DGFT may make appropriate recommendations to the Central Government, including recommendations for prohibition of the import of such goods under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
The effect of Public Notice No. 21/2026-27 is that a specific and formal procedure for determining imports of goods produced using forced labour now stands notified under Para 2.50A of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.
The Public Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DGFT-Public-Notice-No.-12-2026-27.pdf
