23 jul 2026

The decree was published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta on July 17, 2026, and aims to strengthen the protection of human rights, promote responsible trade, and ensure compliance with Honduras' international commitments.

Under the new regulation, no goods produced with forced labor may enter Honduran territory, regardless of their country of origin, customs regime, or commercial value. The prohibition also extends to the entire supply chain, including raw materials, inputs, and components incorporated into the final product.

To enforce the measure, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will develop and maintain a List of Goods Prohibited from Importation, based on technical evidence and internationally recognized sources, including reports from the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations bodies, and determinations issued by competent foreign authorities. The list must be published within thirty days of the decree's entry into force and will be updated continuously.

Implementation of the decree will be coordinated by the Presidential Office for Foreign Trade, while the Honduran Customs Administration will integrate the list of prohibited goods into its customs risk management system. Goods identified as falling within the scope of the ban may be re-exported or destroyed, with all related costs borne by the importer, owner, or consignee.

The decree also requires the competent authorities to issue any necessary implementing regulations within thirty days and instructs the Ministry of Finance to allocate the financial resources needed for its effective enforcement. Additionally, an annual compliance report will be prepared and published to monitor the implementation of the new framework.

Although the decree entered into force on the date of its publication, the import ban on goods included in the official prohibited list will become effective thirty days later, allowing time for the government to disseminate the new requirements nationally and internationally.

With this measure, Honduras strengthens its legal framework governing international trade and labor rights, aligning its policies with International Labour Organization conventions, international trade agreements, and global best practices aimed at eliminating forced labor from international supply chains.