International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector – Second term started
With a festive and substantive meeting on 17 November 2025, companies from the metal sector enthusiastically embarked on the second term of the International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector. The sector agreement on international responsible business conduct (RBC) supports companies in actively contributing to improved working and environmental conditions across the international metal sector.
Start-up meeting International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector 2.0 © Dirk Hol
The International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector is a partnership between metal companies, the employers’ organisation FME, trade union CNV Internationaal, and civil society organisations Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Oxfam Novib. The Dutch government supports the agreement.
Saïd El Haroui, Head of the International Responsible Business Conduct Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “We are pleased that the metal sector has chosen to continue with sector-wide cooperation. Participation helps companies jointly identify risks to people and the environment and take action through concrete projects that create positive impact. In this way, the metal sector is continuing to build robust value chains while preparing for European responsible business conduct legislation.”
Theo Henrar, Chairman of FME: “The technology industry should be proud of what it makes – from the beginning to the end of the value chain. This requires responsibility for human rights, the environment and fair trade. With the International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector 2.0, we are taking on that responsibility together as a sector. We are mapping our supply chains, working towards sustainable improvements and, in doing so, strengthening our international competitive position. Because innovative, fair and sustainable growth go hand in hand."
The International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector has an independent secretariat at the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) in The Hague.
Key role for the metal sector
Kim Putters, President of the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER): “The metal industry can play a key role in achieving broad prosperity: by providing decent work, promoting innovation and technological progress, ensuring a healthy living environment, and taking international responsibility for supply chains and production processes. Companies participating in the sector agreement are jointly taking on this responsibility.”Added value of international cooperation
The added value of the agreement lies particularly in its international collective projects, as demonstrated by the final evaluation of the first term. Through joint projects involving companies from the metal sector, civil society organisations, representatives and trade unions, work was undertaken, for example, to improve working conditions and address health risks in mines in Peru and Bolivia. Significant investments were also made in building networks and developing practical tools. The second term will build further on this knowledge and experience.Saïd El Haroui, Head of the International Responsible Business Conduct Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “We are pleased that the metal sector has chosen to continue with sector-wide cooperation. Participation helps companies jointly identify risks to people and the environment and take action through concrete projects that create positive impact. In this way, the metal sector is continuing to build robust value chains while preparing for European responsible business conduct legislation.”
Second term started
At the launch meeting, companies and other stakeholders immediately got to work, exploring priorities and objectives for 2029. During this second term, the focus will again be on initiating international collective projects that make a positive contribution to people and the environment. Companies will receive practical guidance on applying due diligence in their operations and will be prepared for sustainability legislation and regulations. Through cooperation and knowledge sharing, companies are working towards a future-proof metal sector.Theo Henrar, Chairman of FME: “The technology industry should be proud of what it makes – from the beginning to the end of the value chain. This requires responsibility for human rights, the environment and fair trade. With the International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector 2.0, we are taking on that responsibility together as a sector. We are mapping our supply chains, working towards sustainable improvements and, in doing so, strengthening our international competitive position. Because innovative, fair and sustainable growth go hand in hand."
The International RBC Agreement for the Metals Sector has an independent secretariat at the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) in The Hague.