22.1502
Policy
Federal agencies and contractors must ensure that no products acquired for government use are made with forced or indentured child labor, enforcing strict compliance with applicable laws.
Overview
FAR 22.1502 establishes the policy that federal agencies must actively enforce laws prohibiting the acquisition of products mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part by forced or indentured child labor. This policy is grounded in several U.S. statutes, including 19 U.S.C. 1307, 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq., and 41 U.S.C. chapter 65. Agencies are directed to take all reasonable steps to avoid procuring such products, ensuring that government supply chains are free from exploitative child labor practices. This section underpins the government's commitment to ethical sourcing and compliance with child labor laws in federal contracting.
Key Rules
- Enforcement of Child Labor Laws
- Agencies must enforce laws that prohibit the manufacture or importation of products made with forced or indentured child labor.
- Avoidance of Prohibited Products
- Agencies should make every effort to avoid acquiring products that are linked to forced or indentured child labor.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure that acquisitions comply with child labor laws and avoid prohibited products.
- Contractors: Must not supply products that are mined, produced, or manufactured with forced or indentured child labor.
- Agencies: Responsible for enforcing compliance and taking action against violations.
Practical Implications
- This policy exists to prevent the federal government from supporting or perpetuating exploitative child labor practices through its procurement activities.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring due diligence in sourcing and supply chain management.
- Common pitfalls include insufficient vetting of suppliers or lack of awareness of products on prohibited lists.