Responsible business conduct (RBC)

Responsible business conduct (RBC) means taking responsibility for the impact of your business operation on people, the environment and society. You make sure your business does not have a negative impact. 

Some examples of RBC are:

• You pay extra attention to 'green' working conditions for your employees and contribute to making their homes more sustainable.
• You make socially responsible purchasing decisions and you do not focus solely on price but mind the effects your purchasing has on people and the environment.
• You involve the entire business chain or supply chain in which you operate in RBC (chain responsibility).
• Your business practices are ethical. You do not abuse your power for instance through corruption (bribery or extortion).

RBC can benefit your company, but RBC activities differ from one company to the other. This depends on the sector, size, and culture of the company and its business strategy.

OECD guidelines for RBC

Do you do business abroad? Then the Dutch government expects you to keep to the OECD guidelines. These are internationally recognised rules of conduct that help you deal properly with the environment, and issues such as human rights, child labour, and corruption. The OECD guidelines are mainly voluntary. However, the rule on corruption is mandatory. Corruption is a criminal offence in the Netherlands. This also applies in cases where corruption has been committed abroad.

Due diligence

You keep to the OECD guidelines by doing business with due diligence. This means you make RBC an integral part of your business operations. You map the negative impact of your company on its surroundings and within the chain. You try to prevent problems, to tackle problems, and you communicate about your sustainability policy.

The OECD offers guidance on due diligence to help you comply with the rules and prepare for RBC rules that will take effect in the future. You can also find information and guidance on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

National Contact Point OECD-guidelines (NCP)

The Dutch National Contact Point (NCP) offers you support to bring the OECD guidelines in practice. In addition, you can report differences of opinion to the NCP about applying the OECD guidelines. The NCP will then act as an independent mediator.

RBC agreements

Many national and international customers, governments, and societal organisations expect companies to respect human rights and environmental standards. The Dutch government has Sustainable Public Procurement requirements  to fulfil RBC requirements when purchasing goods or services from a company.

The government also has agreements with various Dutch business sectors and with societal organisations on International Responsible Business Conduct (International RBC). These agreements are laid down in RBC covenants.

Government support and RBC

Do you want to qualify for any subsidy or loan from the Dutch government when doing business abroad? You must apply RBC in your business practices. You also have to demonstrate that you keep to the OECD guidelines.

Proof of RBC

Do you want to show that your company applies RBC rules? You can do this for example, by:

• using a label, for example a quality trademark or logo
• providing a performance comparison to show how well your company is doing with regard to RBC in your region or sector
• providing a declaration, in which you or your staff declare your RBC commitments, and substantiate that
• drafting a sustainability report on your RBC activities
• sending out publicity about your RBC activities