Companies to Navigate Complex and Changing Requirements Focused on Combatting Forced Labor in Supply Chains
In recent months, a wide variety of forced labor issues have caught the attention of legislators, regulators, the media, and the public. The press is also attuned to the issue of forced labor and the use of child labor in the United States. Realizing the complexity and importance of supply chains, consumers and lawmakers are beginning to focus on this issue. Regulators, too, are likely to exercise close scrutiny over supply chain and procurement operations with an eye towards combatting forced labor. Meanwhile, the reach of federal anti-trafficking law remains broad and undefined, while state legislatures create confusion with contradictory rollbacks of child labor protections. With this in mind, all entities will have to remain aware of the increasingly complex web of statutory, regulatory, and reputational risk. Corporations should consider addressing these issues in their compliance and risk mitigation procedures. Additionally, working with counsel can help reduce and address these issues as the legal landscape continues to change.
