About RBC and due diligence
Responsible business conduct (RBC) refers to the companies' efforts to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of their activities on people and the environment in their own operations and throughout their national and international value chains.
Due diligence
The fundamental principle of international RBC is that companies must apply due diligence. Due diligence is an ongoing process where companies identify potential and actual adverse impacts on humans and the environment that may arise from the activities in their operations and national or international value chains. The goal is to prevent, reduce and communicate these issues effectively. This process consists of 6 steps.
Implementing due diligence offers significant benefits for the long-term sustainability of your company. By gathering information on your production chains, you can make more informed decisions. Due diligence helps your company meet essential laws and regulations and prepares you for future RBC legislation. It also improves the confidence of stakeholders, including consumers, employees, neighbours and investors in your company.
The Due diligence in 6 steps page (in Dutch) offers detailed information.
Advice and brainstorming about RBC and due diligence
If you need advice or would like to brainstorm about RBC and due diligence, our RBC helpdesk is here to assist you. Send us your question by email and our RBC helpdesk advisors will contact you with personalised advice.
OECD guidelines for responsible business conduct
Companies seeking Dutch government support for international business must declare their adherence to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (OECD guidelines). Together with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, these international standards form the foundation of Dutch policy on responsible business practices abroad.
The OECD guidelines give recommendations from governments to companies on how to conduct business responsibly. They offer guidance on critical issues, including supply chain responsibility, human rights and climate. These guidelines help companies implement due diligence to prevent and reduce adverse impacts on people and the environment resulting from their operations in national and international value chains and other business relationships.
Are you ready to get started with due diligence? See OECD's due diligence handbook for more information.
RBC laws and regulations
RBC is becoming increasingly essential due to growing legislation and EU directives. If your business operates internationally, whether in whole or in part, you are likely to encounter RBC laws and regulations. For more information, visit our page on international RBC laws and regulations.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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