BILL C-251 AND MODERN SLAVERY
CANADA'S PROPOSED PRESUMPTION AGAINST FORCED-LABOUR IMPORTS
Bill C-251 (An Act to amend the Customs Act and the Customs Tariff) was introduced in October 2025. If enacted, it would establish a statutory presumption that goods originating from designated countries are made in whole or in part by forced or child labour and are therefore prohibited from importation into Canada.
The Bill would also impose due diligence obligations on importers, who would be required to demonstrate to the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) that they have performed effective due diligence on their supply chain. Given the potential impact of this Bill, all importers should closely monitor developments as the bill moves through Parliament.