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

15 October 2026

New member RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector: Fairphone

The RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector welcomes a new member: Fairphone. Fairphone is the global benchmark for great, long-lasting sustainable electronics, delivering high-quality devices crafted with ethical materials and responsible production in mind.

08 October 2026

Annual due diligence assessment of IRBC Agreement members shows continued progress

Signatory companies of the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector commit to carry out risk-based due diligence as prescribed in six steps by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

29 September 2026

Parties IRBC Agreement for the Renewable energy sector discuss extension until 2030

During their strategy meeting on September 16th, the parties to the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy sector that were present defined their joint goals and ambitions within the Agreement towards 2030.

News overview