- What are the key national laws on forced labour, modern slavery and/or human rights in your country?
- Are there any sector-specific rules?
- Are there any obligations for companies, e.g. reporting, due diligence, supply chain transparency?
- Are there any government reporting requirements?
- Are there any penalties and enforcement mechanisms?
- Potential criminal, civil or administrative penalties for violations?
- Risks for directors or executives?
- Upcoming laws, regulations, etc?
jurisdiction
1. What are the key national laws on forced labour, modern slavery and/or human rights in your country?
Forced labour, modern slavery and human rights in Croatia are primarily regulated through the Constitution, Labour Act, Criminal Code, and other national laws aligned with international conventions (e.g., Act on the Suppression of Discrimination, Act on Foreigners etc.).
2. Are there any sector-specific rules?
These sectors are subject to additional regulations designed to prevent abusive labor practices. These include requirements such as ensuring safe working conditions—especially in high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing—providing adequate accommodation for foreign (non-EEA) employees, and complying with minimum salary levels set by the relevant collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
3. Are there any obligations for companies, e.g. reporting, due diligence, supply chain transparency?
Yes, for now, primarily for certain Croatian companies, there is an obligation of sustainability reporting due to implementation of the CSRD. Other than that, sector-specific obligations exist with respect to this topic, e.g. the public contracting authority is obliged to exclude bidders involved in human trafficking or labour exploitation (according to the Public Procurement Act).
4. Are there any government reporting requirements?
The Croatian Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities reports annually to the Government of Croatia on the implementation of the National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking.
5. Are there any penalties and enforcement mechanisms?
Yes, labour Inspectorate and other competent authorities monitor compliance and investigate violations, while public prosecutors handle criminal cases of forced labour and human trafficking.
6. Potential criminal, civil or administrative penalties for violations?
Criminal penalties for forced labour and human trafficking can result in up to 15 years' imprisonment for severe cases. Administrative penalties include monetary fines for violations of labour and reporting laws. Additionally, companies may face civil liability if they fail to comply with human rights obligations.
7. Risks for directors or executives?
Yes, personal administrative fines can be imposed on directors and executives, as they serve as authorized representatives of the company as a legal entity.
Also, under the Criminal Code, the court may impose a security measure prohibiting performance of a specific duty or activity on an offender who committed a criminal offense in the course of performing that duty or activity.
8. Upcoming laws, regulations, etc?
Croatia will have to implement the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) by 26 July 2026. This directive focuses on monitoring potential human rights violations in companies' value chains.
Besides that, starting in 2025, Croatia will also be obliged to implement the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Although this regulation primarily addresses the environmental aspects of deforestation, it will also have implications for human rights and forced labour.
