In conversation with foreign trade and development minister on ICSR legislation

A growing number of companies are taking far-reaching steps to make their supply chains more sustainable. However, legislation currently prevents the acceleration needed on the way to the new economy. To promote a level playing field for sustainable entrepreneurs, sharp framework conditions are essential. This is why CSR Netherlands is pushing for ambitious ICSR legislation in the Netherlands on behalf of these entrepreneurs, because the European Commission keeps delaying this legislation. Fortunately, partly thanks to our lobbying, there was good news there.

CSR Netherlands held robust discussions on the national ICSR law with officials, the SER and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. This law should ban exploitation, environmental damage and child labour from company chains for good. And thus very important to counter unfair competition with polluting companies. These discussions showed that mainly large, old economy companies dominate. While precisely leading companies - like those in our network - know what is needed. CSR Netherlands put these (SME) frontrunners and the responsible minister at the table, with results. 

Arte Natuursteen, Tony's Chocolonely, Schijvens Circular Textiles, ASN Bank and Peeze indicated in a conversation with Minister de Bruijn that it is five to twelve. They argued that it is time to do what is necessary, not what is feasible. Legislation is essential for this. During the later debate on international CSR, the minister announced that the Netherlands should start this important legislation now. In his words, "We want to reward frontrunners". We are convinced that our discussions and direct input from entrepreneurs contributed greatly to this. CSR Netherlands will continue to follow the legislative process to ensure that the law meets the needs of frontrunner entrepreneurs.