OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct are non-binding recommendations issued by adhering governments to multinational enterprises, outlining voluntary principles and standards to encourage responsible practices across supply chains and operations that align with sustainable development goals.[1][2] Adopted in 1976 amid concerns over corporate influence in host countries, the Guidelines have undergone revisions in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1991, 2000, 2011, and most recently in 2023 to address evolving risks such as climate change, biodiversity degradation, and technology-driven harms.[1][3] Key provisions span nine chapters, including disclosure of material information, respect for human rights through risk-based due diligence, fair employment and industrial relations, environmental protection via pollution prevention and resource efficiency, combating bribery, science and technology disclosure, competition adherence, and consumer interest protection.[1][4] The 2023 updates strengthened expectations for enterprises to mitigate adverse impacts in global value chains, report sustainability-related disclosures, and integrate responsible conduct into governance, while clarifying government roles in policy coherence and enforcement support.[5][1] Implementation occurs through National Contact Points (NCPs) in all 52 adhering countries, which promote the Guidelines, handle complaints via mediation, and monitor compliance, though the voluntary nature limits coercive remedies.[6][1] While the framework has influenced sector-specific due diligence standards and corporate policies, critics highlight persistent enforcement gaps, with NCPs frequently rejecting or inadequately resolving complaints involving supply chain harms in developing economies, underscoring the challenges of achieving accountability without binding legal obligations.[7][8]Historical Development
Origins and Adoption in 1976
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises were formally adopted on 21 June 1976 by the governments of the 24 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as a core element of the broader Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises.[9][1] This Declaration represented a policy commitment by adhering governments to encourage the positive contributions of multinational enterprises (MNEs) to economic and social progress while minimizing potential adverse effects, through voluntary recommendations addressed directly to MNEs operating within or from OECD territories.[10] The Guidelines sought to ensure that MNE activities aligned with host government policies, fostering mutual confidence between enterprises and states without imposing legally binding obligations.[11] The origins of the Guidelines trace to mid-1970s apprehensions among policymakers about the expanding power and cross-border operations of MNEs, which were seen as capable of influencing national economies, labor markets, and regulatory sovereignty, particularly in host countries.[12] These concerns were amplified by contemporaneous international debates, including unsuccessful efforts at the United Nations led by the Group of 77 developing nations to formulate a comprehensive, binding code of conduct for transnational corporations, which stalled due to disagreements over enforceability and scope.[13] In contrast, the OECD—comprising predominantly developed economies hosting many home-based MNEs—opted for a non-binding instrument to preempt more restrictive global regulations, promote investment liberalization, and provide a framework for addressing specific disputes through consultations rather than mandates.[13][14] The initial 1976 text outlined recommendations across key domains, including general policies for observing laws and contributing to development; disclosure of relevant financial and operational information; adherence to competition laws; sound practices in financing, taxation, and science/technology transfer; and fair industrial relations, such as avoiding bribery and respecting employee rights.[9] Unlike subsequent revisions, the original version did not explicitly cover human rights or environmental due diligence, reflecting the era's focus on economic integration and basic operational transparency over broader societal impacts.[1] Adoption occurred during the OECD Council meeting at ministerial level, with all members endorsing the instrument to signal a coordinated approach to managing MNE-related challenges amid post-oil crisis economic uncertainties.[15]Key Revisions and Updates
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises were first adopted in 1976 and have been revised multiple times, including in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1991, 2000, 2011, and most recently in 2023, to address evolving expectations for business conduct amid changing global economic and social conditions.[16] These updates have progressively expanded the scope from initial focuses on disclosure, competition, and taxation to broader integration of human rights, environmental risks, and supply chain responsibilities, while maintaining their status as non-binding government recommendations.[17] The 2000 revision marked a substantial overhaul, aligning the Guidelines more closely with the OECD's Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises by clarifying implementation procedures and enhancing the role of National Contact Points (NCPs) for handling complaints, thereby aiming to improve adherence through peer review and promotional activities.[18] It introduced provisions on combating bribery, reflecting international consensus post-1997 OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, and emphasized sustainable development without imposing legal obligations on enterprises.[11] In 2011, the Guidelines underwent their most comprehensive update to that point, incorporating the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and mandating risk-based due diligence across supply chains for adverse impacts on human rights, labor standards, environment, and corruption.[1] This revision expanded coverage to indirect business relationships, such as suppliers and joint ventures, and strengthened NCP mediation processes, responding to criticisms of prior versions' limited enforceability and scope amid rising scrutiny of multinational operations in developing economies.[3] The 2023 update, adopted on June 8 by the OECD Council and endorsed by all 38 member countries plus 15 non-members, renamed the instrument to emphasize "Responsible Business Conduct" over prior corporate social responsibility framing, and introduced targeted enhancements without altering core structure.[17] Key changes include new recommendations in the environment chapter for addressing climate change through alignment with Paris Agreement goals and biodiversity loss via ecosystem restoration; expansions in the technology chapter for ethical digital governance, data privacy, and AI risks; and reinforced due diligence expectations, such as extending labor rights assessments to non-employment business relationships and prioritizing protections for at-risk groups like indigenous peoples and workers in conflict zones.[19][20] These revisions followed a multi-year stocktaking process involving stakeholder consultations, aiming to integrate emerging challenges like technological disruption and environmental crises while preserving the voluntary, state-led implementation model.[21] Critics, including civil society observers, have noted that while corporate standards were modestly elevated, government accountability measures remained underdeveloped, potentially limiting practical impact.[22]Evolution in Response to Global Challenges
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, initially adopted in 1976 amid concerns over the growing influence of transnational corporations, underwent significant revisions starting in 2000 to address the complexities of globalization, including extended supply chains and environmental impacts. The 2000 update introduced a dedicated chapter on environmental protection, emphasizing pollution prevention, sustainable resource use, and disclosure of environmental risks, in response to mounting evidence of multinational operations contributing to ecological degradation in developing regions. It also incorporated anti-bribery provisions aligned with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention of 1997, reflecting heightened awareness of corruption as a barrier to fair competition in global markets. These changes extended the Guidelines' applicability to suppliers and business partners beyond adhering countries, acknowledging the reality of fragmented international production networks.[13][21][23] The 2011 revision further adapted the Guidelines to post-financial crisis scrutiny and emerging human rights norms, integrating recommendations consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights adopted in 2011. This update mandated risk-based due diligence to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts across value chains, driven by documented cases of labor abuses, such as child labor and unsafe working conditions in global supply chains exposed by events like the 2010 Foxconn scandals in China. New chapters on human rights, consumer interests, and science and technology addressed challenges from rapid technological diffusion and consumer protection gaps in international trade, while strengthening implementation through enhanced National Contact Points for grievance mechanisms. These modifications responded to causal links between multinational practices and societal harms, prioritizing proactive enterprise responsibility over reactive compliance.[24][13][25] In 2023, the Guidelines were updated to confront escalating global challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, with explicit calls for enterprises to align operations with the Paris Agreement goals and international biodiversity frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This revision incorporated recommendations on sustainable finance, urging disclosure of climate-related risks and avoidance of greenwashing, amid regulatory pressures from instruments such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. It also addressed digital transformation risks, such as data privacy in AI-driven supply chains and worker displacement from automation, reflecting empirical data on technology's dual role in efficiency and inequality. Broader language updates accounted for geopolitical tensions and pandemic-induced supply disruptions, reinforcing the Guidelines' scope to 51 adhering jurisdictions while maintaining their voluntary nature. These evolutions demonstrate iterative adaptation to verifiable global pressures, though adherence remains uneven due to enforcement limitations.[1][26][27][5]Core Principles and Coverage
Fundamental Expectations for Enterprises
The fundamental expectations for enterprises in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct are articulated in Chapter II: General Policies, which establishes the foundational principles for integrating responsible business conduct into operations, strategies, and decision-making processes. These non-binding recommendations, addressed by adhering governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from their territories, prioritize compliance with domestic laws as the baseline obligation while encouraging adherence to internationally recognized standards that may exceed legal requirements. Updated in 2023 to address emerging challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and technology risks, the chapter emphasizes a risk-based due diligence approach to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for actual or potential adverse impacts related to human rights, environment, and other areas covered by the Guidelines.[1] Enterprises should contribute to economic, social, and environmental progress with a view to achieving sustainable development, including through the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies and practices consistent with international commitments like the Paris Agreement. This expectation extends to fostering employment creation, skill development, and resource efficiency while minimizing negative externalities across value chains. Enterprises are also required to respect the internationally recognized human rights of individuals affected by their activities, consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, by avoiding infringements and remedying adverse impacts where they occur.[1] Additional core expectations include encouraging local capacity building through cooperation with communities and business partners, promoting awareness of and compliance with internal policies via training, and developing self-regulatory management systems that build trust with stakeholders. Enterprises must engage in meaningful consultation with affected parties to inform policies and address concerns, abstain from improper political involvement that could undermine local governance, and ensure transparency and integrity in lobbying or advocacy activities. A central pillar is the implementation of effective policies and processes for risk-based due diligence, proportionate to the enterprise's size, context, and risk exposure, to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts arising from their own activities or business relationships, including supply chains.[1] The 2023 revisions strengthen these expectations by clarifying due diligence on issues like Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, science-based targets for net-zero transitions, and biodiversity conservation, while urging enterprises to leverage influence over suppliers or partners to address risks. Enterprises are encouraged, but not required, to participate in multi-stakeholder initiatives and social dialogue to advance responsible conduct. Non-compliance with these expectations can lead to mediation or recommendations through National Contact Points, though the Guidelines lack direct enforcement mechanisms, relying instead on reputational incentives and government promotion.[1]Specific Issue Areas and Recommendations
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct outline recommendations across dedicated chapters addressing key operational and ethical domains, emphasizing risk-based due diligence to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts in enterprises' operations, supply chains, and business relationships.[1] These chapters, updated in the 2023 revision to align with evolving international standards such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and enhanced anti-corruption frameworks, cover disclosure, human rights, employment, environment, bribery, consumer interests, science and technology, competition, and taxation.[1] Recommendations are framed as voluntary principles for multinational enterprises (MNEs), going beyond legal minimums to promote sustainable practices, with governments expected to disseminate and enforce them via National Contact Points.[1] Disclosure (Chapter III): Enterprises are recommended to apply high-quality standards for accounting, auditing, and timely disclosure of material information on financial performance, risks, and responsible business conduct, including policies on human rights, environment, and anti-corruption.[1] This includes reporting on due diligence processes and adverse impacts, with encouragement for integrated sustainability disclosures aligned with frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative.[1] The 2023 updates strengthen expectations for transparency on climate-related risks and supply chain practices to enhance stakeholder trust and accountability.[1] Human Rights (Chapter IV): MNEs should respect internationally recognized human rights, avoiding infringement through policies, risk-based due diligence, and remediation for harms caused or contributed to, drawing from instruments like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.[1] Recommendations include stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and extending diligence to business partners, with 2023 revisions reinforcing public commitments and cooperation in remediation.[1] This chapter prioritizes preventing severe risks, such as forced labor or indigenous rights violations, via ongoing monitoring.[1] Employment and Industrial Relations (Chapter V): Enterprises must respect the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, non-discrimination, and elimination of child or forced labor.[1] Key recommendations involve safe working conditions, fair wages, consultation with workers' representatives, and due diligence across supply chains to address labor risks.[1] No major 2023-specific changes are noted, but integration with broader due diligence expectations applies.[1] Environment (Chapter VI): MNEs are urged to establish environmental management systems, conduct due diligence on impacts like pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, and adopt science-based targets for emissions reduction and biodiversity protection.[1] Recommendations include using best available technologies, stakeholder consultation, and remediation, with 2023 updates explicitly linking to net-zero transitions, Paris Agreement goals, and frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.[1] Emphasis is placed on supply chain risks, such as deforestation or water scarcity.[1] Combating Bribery and Other Forms of Corruption (Chapter VII): Enterprises should prohibit bribery of public and private parties, implement risk-based compliance programs, and conduct due diligence on third parties, aligning with conventions like the UN Convention Against Corruption.[1] The 2023 revision broadens scope to all corruption forms, including extortion and state capture, mandating internal controls, training, and transparent accounting.[1] Facilitation payments are discouraged, with promotion of anti-corruption culture required.[1] Consumer Interests (Chapter VIII): MNEs must ensure products and services meet safety standards, provide accurate marketing and labeling, and establish mechanisms for consumer complaints and data privacy protection.[1] Recommendations include avoiding misleading practices and supporting education on responsible consumption, with implied due diligence for supply chain quality risks.[1] No 2023 updates are specified beyond general diligence integration.[1] Science, Technology and Innovation (Chapter IX): Enterprises should manage risks from technology deployment, including data privacy and ethical AI use, through due diligence and responsible innovation practices.[1] Recommendations encourage technology transfer to host countries, capacity building, and compliance with intellectual property laws, with 2023 additions stressing diligence for adverse societal impacts like algorithmic bias.[1] Competition (Chapter X): MNEs are to compete fairly, refraining from cartels, abuse of dominance, or anti-competitive mergers, while cooperating with antitrust authorities and training staff on compliance.[1] Focus remains on legal adherence without explicit due diligence mandates.[1] Taxation (Chapter XI): Enterprises must pay taxes where due, adhering to the arm's-length principle in transfer pricing, and engage transparently with tax authorities, with boards overseeing tax planning risks.[1] Recommendations promote certainty and predictability in tax strategies, without 2023-specific expansions.[1]Emphasis on Risk-Based Due Diligence
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct place significant emphasis on risk-based due diligence as the primary process for enterprises to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for actual and potential adverse impacts arising from their operations, supply chains, and business relationships. This approach, integrated across the Guidelines' chapters on human rights, labour, environment, and other areas, requires enterprises to conduct due diligence commensurate with the severity, likelihood, and context of risks, rather than applying uniform measures to all activities.[1][28] The 2023 update explicitly clarifies that due diligence should be "risk-based," aligning with the 2018 OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, which provides a six-step framework: embedding due diligence into policies and management systems; identifying and assessing adverse impacts; preventing or mitigating impacts through cessation, remediation, or leverage over business partners; tracking implementation and results; communicating outcomes; and providing or cooperating in remediation for unavoidable impacts.[29][3] This risk-based methodology prioritizes proportionality, enabling enterprises to allocate resources efficiently toward high-risk areas—such as operations in conflict zones or supply chains involving vulnerable workers—while avoiding disproportionate burdens on low-risk activities. For instance, the Guidelines recommend assessing risks based on factors like the enterprise's leverage over suppliers, the scale of operations, and foreseeable misuse of products or services, drawing from sector-specific guidance like that for minerals or agriculture.[20][30] Enterprises are expected to maintain ongoing monitoring and adaptation, integrating due diligence into broader environmental and social management systems, with documentation to demonstrate compliance.[31] The approach extends to business relationships, requiring enterprises to seek contractual assurances from partners and, where leverage exists, influence them to undertake similar due diligence.[32] The emphasis on risk-based due diligence reflects a pragmatic recognition that comprehensive, non-targeted scrutiny could overwhelm smaller enterprises or diffuse focus, potentially undermining effectiveness; instead, it promotes targeted interventions informed by empirical risk assessments. Adopted in the 2023 revision amid growing regulatory scrutiny, this framework influences national laws and investor expectations, though adherence remains voluntary under the Guidelines' non-binding nature, with promotion through National Contact Points.[33][22] Critics, including civil society groups, argue the update raises expectations for transparency and remediation but stops short of mandating outcomes, relying on enterprise self-assessment.[22] Empirical implementation varies, with specific instances handled by National Contact Points demonstrating its application to cases involving environmental harm or labour violations.[34]Institutional Framework and Implementation
Role of National Contact Points
Each adhering government to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct is required to establish a National Contact Point (NCP) to serve as the primary institutional mechanism for implementing the Guidelines at the national level. NCPs were first mandated in the 2000 update to the Guidelines, with their formalization in Chapter VII, and have since been refined in subsequent revisions, including the 2023 edition, to emphasize responsible business conduct across supply chains. As of 2023, 52 countries maintain NCPs, operating under the principle of functional equivalence to ensure comparable effectiveness regardless of structural differences, such as mono-agency governmental bodies, inter-agency committees, or tripartite arrangements involving government, business, and labor representatives.[6] The core functions of NCPs are twofold: promotion and handling of specific instances. In promotion, NCPs raise awareness of the Guidelines through activities such as maintaining dedicated websites, organizing stakeholder consultations, disseminating due diligence guidance, and collaborating with businesses, trade unions, NGOs, and other civil society actors to encourage voluntary adherence by multinational enterprises.[35] For instance, many NCPs develop annual action plans aligned with national policies on responsible business conduct, including integration into broader frameworks like National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights. This promotional role aims to foster a culture of compliance without binding enforcement, relying on the Guidelines' voluntary nature while providing non-binding recommendations to enterprises.[1] In handling specific instances, NCPs act as a non-judicial grievance mechanism for complaints alleging non-observance of the Guidelines by multinational enterprises, covering issues like human rights, labor rights, environment, and anti-corruption. The procedure begins with an initial assessment to determine admissibility, based on criteria such as the enterprise's adherence scope, the complaint's relevance to the Guidelines, and potential for resolution through dialogue; frivolous or abusive submissions may be rejected. If accepted, NCPs offer good offices—facilitating dialogue and mediation, often with professional mediators—to achieve mutually agreed solutions, such as remediation plans or policy changes; mediation success rates vary, with some NCPs reporting resolutions in over 20% of cases since 2011. Outcomes include binding agreements where feasible, public statements on non-cooperation, and follow-up monitoring for up to a year; unresolved cases may be referred to the OECD Investment Committee for further review. NCPs must adhere to procedural standards of visibility, accessibility, transparency, and accountability, including timely responses (typically within 10 days for acknowledgments), impartiality, and protection of confidential information. They submit annual reports to the OECD Investment Committee detailing activities, specific instances handled, and implementation challenges, enabling peer learning and peer reviews to enhance performance; for example, reviews of NCPs in countries like the Netherlands and United States have identified improvements in mediation capacity and stakeholder engagement.[6][36] While structurally diverse—ranging from secretariat-supported bodies in nations like Canada to independent expert panels—NCPs' effectiveness depends on adequate resourcing and independence from political influence, as under-resourced offices have led to delays in case processing in some jurisdictions.Oversight by the OECD Investment Committee
The OECD Investment Committee serves as the principal body tasked with overseeing the implementation and functioning of the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct, as established under the Decision of the Council on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises [OECD/LEGAL/0307]. This oversight encompasses promoting the effective observance of the Guidelines by multinational enterprises, examining their application across adhering countries, and ensuring alignment with the broader Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. The Committee collaborates closely with the Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct to facilitate implementation support, including the development of clarifications and sector-specific guidance on due diligence recommendations.[1][37] Key oversight functions include the periodic review of annual reports submitted by National Contact Points (NCPs), which the Committee examines to assess performance and promote functional equivalence among them. It approves public analyses of these reports prepared by the Working Party, addresses substantiated submissions regarding NCP shortcomings through consensus-based responses, and issues non-binding clarifications on Guidelines interpretation without adjudicating specific enterprise conduct. The Committee also conducts or oversees peer reviews of NCPs, with modalities developed by the Secretariat and approved by the Working Party, to enhance transparency and effectiveness; for instance, such reviews have been organized to evaluate NCP handling of specific instances and promotional activities. Additionally, it makes recommendations to improve NCP operations, including measures for addressing non-compliance, and engages stakeholders such as advisory bodies (e.g., Business at OECD and Trade Union Advisory Committee) and civil society organizations like OECD Watch through exchanges of views.[1][38] The Committee reports periodically to the OECD Council on Guidelines-related matters, incorporating insights from NCP reports, stakeholder inputs, and implementation challenges to maintain the instrument's relevance. It actively promotes the Guidelines beyond adhering countries by engaging non-adherents and international partners in forums to foster global responsible business conduct. In terms of updates, the Committee plays a central role in revisions; for example, it proposed and facilitated the 2023 amendments, adopted by the Council on 8 June 2023, which strengthened provisions on due diligence across supply chains and climate change while refining procedural guidance for NCPs. These functions underscore the Committee's emphasis on continuous improvement without enforcement powers, relying instead on peer pressure, transparency, and voluntary adherence to drive compliance.[1][37][39]Procedures for Handling Specific Instances
The procedures for handling specific instances under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct constitute a non-judicial grievance mechanism designed to address allegations of non-observance by multinational enterprises. Specific instances may be raised by any individual, organization, non-governmental organization, or other entity alleging that an enterprise operating within or from adhering countries has failed to adhere to the Guidelines' recommendations.[1] Submissions are directed to the relevant National Contact Point (NCP), typically in the country of the enterprise's headquarters, the location of the alleged breach, or where impacts are felt, with NCPs required to ensure accessibility through published procedures consistent with the Guidelines.[1][17] Upon receipt, the NCP conducts an initial assessment to determine admissibility, evaluating whether the allegation is bona fide, material, substantiated with evidence, relevant to the Guidelines' chapters, and linked to the enterprise's business activities without legal barriers such as ongoing judicial proceedings that preclude examination.[1] This phase, including consultations with the parties, must conclude within three months, or up to five months if multiple NCPs require coordination to designate a lead NCP within two months.[1] If the instance does not warrant further examination, the NCP issues a statement explaining the decision, the parties' positions, and reasons for rejection, which is made publicly available.[1] For admissible instances, the NCP offers "good offices" to facilitate resolution through voluntary, consensual processes such as dialogue, mediation, or conciliation, conducted impartially and confidentially unless parties agree otherwise.[1] The NCP may seek expert advice, consult other NCPs or the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct for case-specific guidance, and set reasonable timeframes in consultation with parties, targeting six to twelve months for dialogue while aiming for overall resolution within twelve months (extendable for complex cases involving non-adhering countries or multiple parties).[1] Parties are expected to engage in good faith; non-cooperation may influence the NCP's final statement.[1] Upon conclusion, the NCP issues a public final statement within three months, detailing the process, outcomes, any agreements (with party consent for specifics), reasons for non-resolution, and—where appropriate—its views on Guidelines observance, recommendations for remediation, or due diligence improvements, alongside follow-up measures with defined timelines.[1] NCPs monitor implementation of agreements or recommendations as needed.[1] The 2023 update to the Guidelines strengthened these procedures by emphasizing functional equivalence across NCPs, enhanced peer reviews, annual reporting to the OECD Investment Committee for oversight and consistency, and greater transparency in handling, including provisions for addressing parallel proceedings and stakeholder engagement.[17][1]Scope and Adherence
Adhering Governments and Jurisdictions
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct are implemented through adherence to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises, originally adopted in 1976 and revised periodically, most recently in 2023. Adhering governments commit to promoting the Guidelines among multinational enterprises operating in or from their territories, establishing National Contact Points (NCPs) to handle inquiries and complaints, and cooperating internationally on responsible business conduct. As of October 2025, 52 governments adhere to the Declaration, encompassing all 38 OECD member countries—Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States—and 14 non-OECD adherents.[6][40] The non-OECD adhering governments include Argentina (1997), Brazil (1997), Bulgaria (2022), Egypt (2007), India, Indonesia, Jordan (2013), Kazakhstan (2017), Malaysia, Morocco (2009), Peru (2023), Romania (2004), South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia (2018), and Uruguay (2021). These countries represent diverse regions, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, extending the Guidelines' reach beyond OECD economies to promote consistent standards in global supply chains. Adherence does not impose binding obligations but encourages voluntary alignment with the Guidelines' recommendations on issues like human rights, labor rights, environment, and anti-corruption.[40][10]| Non-OECD Adhering Government | Year of Adherence |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 1997 |
| Brazil | 1997 |
| Bulgaria | 2022 |
| Egypt | 2007 |
| Jordan | 2013 |
| Kazakhstan | 2017 |
| Morocco | 2009 |
| Peru | 2023 |
| Romania | 2004 |
| Tunisia | 2018 |
| Uruguay | 2021 |