International responsible business conduct (IRBC): a step-by-step plan
Do you do business internationally? Then the government expects you to engage in international responsible business conduct (IRBC). Sometimes you will also have to report on this to the government. Since 2024, laws and regulations have been in place that make international IRBC less voluntary. So get started with the steps for international RBC.
What is international responsible business conduct?
When doing international business, the government expects larger companies to act in an internationally responsible manner. Applying international responsible business conduct (IRBC), also known as social corporate responsibility (SCR), principles means taking the impact of your business on people, animals, the environment, and society into account. IRBC affects areas such as working conditions, the environment, human rights, child labour, and corruption. Not only in the Netherlands but especially in your international chain. More and more consumers, governments, and large companies want sustainable and fair products.
Get started with IRBC
With IRBC you do everything with 'due diligence'. This means you prevent as many risks as possible in your company and international chain. The guidance from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) helps you apply due diligence in your business. View the step-by-step plan:
Make an IRBC policy for your company and management. Organise, for example, workshops or training courses in IRBC for your employees. Then involve them in the development and implementation of IRBC in their daily work. Use the OECD guidelines for IRBC to draw up your policy. These guidelines set out what the Dutch government and governments in 48 other countries expect from you if you engage in responsible business conduct (RBC) internationally.
IRBC as a condition for subsidies or loans
Would you like to apply to the government for a subsidy or loan for international business? Then you must demonstrate that you comply with the OECD guidelines. You must record your IRBC policy in a (social) annual report or other public document.
You are responsible for the entire chain of your product or service. From raw materials to finished product. So, check if there are risks within your company or in your chain, for example to the environment, or employees. Use the MVO's CSR Risk Checker to do this check.
Include how you will prevent or end any risks in your IRBC policy. For example, what you will do if a supplier does not respond to your complaints. Make it clear that you expect your suppliers, customers, and other business relations to comply with IRBC.
Regularly review the results of your IRBC policy. Make a schedule to do this at set times. This will allow you to adjust and adapt your policy if necessary.
Consumers, governments, and large companies increasingly want a sustainable product or service. So, make your IRBC policy public. Publish it on your website, for example. Also describe how you mitigate or address any risks.
Your IRBC policy also sets out what you do in the event of complaints. For example, in the event of a complaint from a customer or an employee. Make sure your company has a complaints desk or complaints department.
Questions relating to this article?
Please contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO