The Netherlands Child Labor Due Diligence Law: What You Need to Know

This quick guide will give insight on:

• Who is affected by the new Netherlands Child Labor Due Diligence Law

• The due diligence and reporting procedures becoming mandatory in 2020

• What you can do to prepare your supply chain for the new regulations and minimize ethical risk

The Netherlands Child Labor Due Diligence Law: What You Need to Know

Child labor remains a pressing issue in global supply chains, with an estimated 150 million of children affected worldwide. The new Dutch Child Labor Due Diligence Law joins the ranks of corporate human rights due diligence laws in other countries (UK, France, Australia), placing the responsibility on businesses to investigate their supply chains, identify instances of child labor, and take steps to eliminate and prevent it.

Taking effect January 1, 2020, the new law will require companies that supply goods and services to the Dutch market to perform human rights due diligence and implement action plans to eliminate child labor from their supply chains. Companies that fail to comply with the requirements will face steep fines, while continued non-compliance can lead to prison sentences for responsible directors.

Key facts about the new Dutch Child Labor Due Diligence Law:

• The law will extend to all companies that sell or supply goods and services to the Dutch market, including online sellers and companies registered outside the Netherlands

• The first deadline for child labor due diligence reports is July 1, 2020

• The new law will enable victims, consumers and other stakeholders to file complaints against non-complying companies to the newly created regulator body

Download our whitepaper to learn more about the impact of the new Netherlands Child Labor Due Diligence Law on your business, and discover what practical steps you can take to protect your global supply chain from ethical risk.