Key recommendations:

Mandatory human rights due diligence for all companies operating in the UK, replacing the current voluntary scheme.

A statutory ban on the import and sale of goods linked to forced labour, aligned with similar regimes in the EU and US.

Creation of a civil “duty to prevent” liability: victims would be able to bring cases in UK courts unless companies demonstrate they took adequate preventive measures.

The Committee urged that new legislation be enacted within one year—i.e. by July 2026.

It also called for robust enforcement mechanisms:

Empowering authorities (e.g. Border Force, National Crime Agency) to seize and stop goods suspected of being made with forced labour.

Oversight via a new Supply Chain Centre to support compliance and guidance for businesses, including SMEs.

The Committee warned that, without legal import controls, the UK risks becoming a “dumping ground” for goods banned in jurisdictions with stricter rules (e.g. EU, US).

It emphasized that forced labour risks should be factored into trade negotiations and procurement policies, particularly given the UK’s growing reliance on critical minerals for its green energy transition, where high forced‑labour exposure exists.Schedule a discovery session to learn how FRDM AI can assist with your company’s UK MSA compliance.