The government has banned the import of goods that are produced with the use of forced labor, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to ban goods tied to forced labor was approved as a "step of major moral, economic, and strategic importance, reinforcing the State of Israel's commitment to the fight against human trafficking and forced labor, alongside safeguarding the interests of the Israeli economy."
The directive instructed the Economy and Industry Ministry to establish regulations banning such goods in accordance with standards set by international law.
The Prime Minister's Office's National Economic Council has also been instructed to create an enforcement method, to be submitted to the government for approval within 90 days.
The enforcement mechanism would include "the designation of an authorized entity for decision-making, the establishment of professional criteria for identifying products manufactured using forced labor, the creation of a reporting mechanism, and the establishment of appeal and review mechanisms aiming to ensure effective enforcement, certainty for importers, and the preservation of fair trade rules."
Ban on goods created with forced labor affirms Israel's commitment to human rights
The statement emphasized the economic impact alongside the moral value of implementing the directive, with the ministry affirming the government's commitment to human rights values, fair trade, and the strengthening of the Israeli economy.
According to the announcement, "this move places Israel in line with the world's leading countries that are taking steps to prevent the entry into markets of products manufactured through the exploitation of human beings, and strengthens Israel's credibility as a trading partner operating in accordance with international standards."
Regarding economic impact, the statement says, "It is expected to strengthen the standing of Israeli exporters in international markets, improve Israel's trade conditions vis-à-vis its key partners, and reduce trade barriers that harm the competitiveness of the Israeli economy."