From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, referred to as ‘the Guidelines’, are recommendations on responsible business conduct (RBC) addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. They provide non-binding principles and standards for RBC in a global context consistent with applicable laws and internationally recognised standards. They aim to encourage positive contributions enterprises can make to economic, environmental and social progress, and to minimise adverse impacts on matters covered by the Guidelines that may be associated with an enterprise’s operations, products and services. The Guidelines are the only multilaterally agreed and comprehensive code of RBC that governments have committed to promoting.
All governments adhering to the Guidelines are required to set up a National Contact Point (NCP). The role of the NCP is to promote the Guidelines and related Due Diligence Guidance and to handle complaints (known as specific instances) of alleged non-observance of the Guidelines. The Ireland NCP can offer a non-judicial grievance mechanism to help parties resolve complaints through a mediation/conciliation platform. This is referred to as the offer of good offices.
Watch on YouTube: OECD video explaining the Guidelines and NCP function
Ireland NCP for the guidelines
Ireland NCP for the Guidelines »
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, known as the Guidelines, are the most comprehensive government-backed international instrument for promoting responsible business conduct (RBC). They provide non-binding principles and standards for responsible business conduct in a global context consistent with applicable laws and internationally recognised standards.
The Guidelines cover all major areas of business responsibility or ethics, including:
A copy of the guidelines, including implementation procedures and associated commentary, is available in a range of languages.
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct is the first government-backed reference on due diligence which is relevant for all types of companies operating in all countries and sectors of the economy. This Guidance represents a common understanding among governments and stakeholders on due diligence for responsible business conduct and can also be used by businesses to respond to due diligence expectations of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.
To promote the effective observance of the Guidelines, the OECD has developed sector-specific due diligence guidance which helps enterprises identify and address risks to people, the environment and society associated with business operations, products, or services in particular sectors, see below. The sectoral guidance establishes a common understanding among governments, business, civil society, and workers on due diligence for responsible business conduct, and can enable business to build supply chain resilience, manage uncertainty and drive long-term value.