International RBC Agreements

Agreements promoting international Responsible Business Conduct (international RBC) involve partnerships between businesses, trade associations, government, unions and NGOs. Together, these partners work to identify and prevent abuses like exploitation, animal suffering and environmental damage. Since 2016, the Dutch RBC Agreements have gained experience with implementing the due diligence expectations of the OECD Guidelines. Please check the websites of the individual agreements for practical tools and guidelines.

Cotton pickers in action. Illustration for the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile.

Why conclude IRBC agreements?

International business dealings may involve complex problems such as environmental pollution and child labour. By concluding agreements, businesses work with other stakeholders to tackle these problems.

Background

In 2014, the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) recommended concluding multistakeholder agreements in each relevant sector. By cooperating, stakeholders can concentrate their efforts to combat abuses.

OECD Guidelines

Watch a short video about the OECD Guidelines here. Together with the UNGPs, these form the framework for international RBC.

Agreements

All agreements

News

04 December 2025

CS WIND Offshore and Prysmian Powerlink S.r.l. join the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The IRBC Agreement is very pleased to announce the two newest members: CS WIND Offshore and Prysmian Powerlink S.r.l. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 63.

04 November 2025

Stedin Group joins the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The IRBC Agreement welcomes its newest member: Stedin Group. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 61.

07 October 2025

Signatory Companies Show Progress in Annual Due Diligence Assessment

The International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector has completed its annual assessment of signatory companies. The 2025 progress assessment, conducted between March and July, builds on the 2024 baseline and evaluates how companies have advanced in applying the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

News overview