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

17 June 2025

New members Hellenic Cables S.A. and DEME join the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes two new members: Hellenic Cables S.A. and DEME, through DEME Offshore Holding NV. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 59.

23 April 2025

IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes new members EEW Special Pipe Constructions and Maersk Offshore Wind

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector is very pleased to announce two new members: EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH and Maersk Offshore Wind A/S. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 58.

10 February 2025

Three new members IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes NKT A/S, Eolus Vind AB and Cadeler A/S as parties to the agreement. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 56.

News overview