Brazil's Congress advances legislation to ban forced‑labour imports and protect rescued workers

The Economic Development Committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a substitute bill that would prohibit the import and sale of any product made with proven forced or child labour. The ban applies only after a final court decision in Brazil, a recognized international court ruling, or a foreign judgment upheld by Brazilian courts. Importers that demonstrate effective due‑diligence procedures may be exempt from penalties. Non‑compliant goods will be seized and the proceeds allocated to funds fighting child labour and modern slavery. The government must publish twice‑yearly lists of companies and foreign entities found to use such practices. The proposal, backed by Deputy Rodrigo da Zaeli, expands the original cocoa‑focused restriction to all goods and raw materials entering the Brazilian market.

Separately, the Senate approved PL 5760/2023, establishing measures to protect workers rescued from conditions analogous to slavery. The bill amends the unemployment‑insurance law to grant up to six benefit installments to rescued workers, integrates them into the social security system, and allows urgent protective orders for domestic workers facing exploitation. It also mandates data cross‑checking with the National Social Information Registry to identify suspect employers and modifies the Maria da Penha law to ensure emergency shelter for victims. Auditors may enter workplaces with consent to investigate suspected forced‑labour without a court order. The legislation now awaits presidential sanction.