Introduced in 2017, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector (OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance) provides for a set of standards to support supply chain due diligence.
Due diligence process of the OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance
The OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance recommends that companies apply the six-steps due diligence process prescribed by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct to address risks of adverse impacts arising from the operations of companies in the garment and footwear supply chain.
The recommendations of the OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance are particularly targeted to specific risks in the garment and footwear sector including forced labour, wages, sexual harassment, occupational health and safety, bribery and corruption, trade union engagement amongst others. The OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance also recommends enterprises to apply a risk-based approach in their decision making process. The adoption of such standards can help brands retain customers, enhance their reputation and promote a more proactive approach in the identification of risks.
Key takeaways for Mauritius
The application of the OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance is of significant importance to Mauritius in a number of respects. In the face of increased competition and changes in global trade policies, multinational enterprises operating in or from Mauritius must ensure the integration of sustainability in their operations in order to unlock long-term sustainable value creating opportunities. For instance, conducting human rights due diligence is regarded as a key requirement to address the growing consumer demands for responsibly sourced products.
Similarly, implementing a proactive approach would help Mauritius to pursue a hands-on approach in responding to the growing sustainability challenges in responsible business conduct. Embedding the standards of the OECD Garment and Footwear Guidance would also allow companies to develop a holistic approach and consider the broader implications of due diligence in their value chains.
Promoting responsible business conduct across the Garment and Footwear sector would in turn contribute towards more sustainable production of goods, better working conditions and enhanced transparency on the product supply chain.
Doing business responsibly today builds a better planet tomorrow. Should you or your business require further information on responsible business conduct matters, do not hesitate to contact the National Contact Point – Mauritius on secretariat@ncpmauritius.mu