The European Union countries have recently agreed to a law that mandates companies to ensure their supply chains do not involve forced labor or cause environmental damage. This decision has far-reaching implications for businesses in the EU and beyond. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires companies to document that imported products adhere to environmental and human rights standards, prohibiting child labor and ensuring due diligence to prevent harm. However, criticisms have emerged regarding the dilution of the law, with concerns that it may not be as effective as intended.
The agreement comes after significant modifications to the original text, leading to thresholds that only impact larger businesses with specific employee counts and turnovers. This has raised questions about the practicality and enforceability of the law, especially with regards to its impact on competitiveness and global operations of European companies. Lobby groups have expressed fears of potential consequences, including harsh sanctions and legal risks that could disadvantage EU businesses.
Environmental and human rights campaigners have welcomed the increased accountability for firms but have also expressed disappointment with the compromises made in the draft legislation. The reduction in obligations for many European companies has been met with criticism, with advocates arguing that the law falls short of effectively addressing the challenges posed by climate change and business accountability.
Despite differing opinions, the approval of this draft legislation by the European Parliament is expected, leading to a period where businesses will need to adapt to the new requirements. While some view this decision positively as a step towards upholding human rights and environmental standards, others are concerned about the potential loopholes and diluted impact of the law. The implications of this law may reshape supply chain practices and corporate responsibilities, prompting businesses to reassess their operations and compliance measures to align with these new standards.
