Due diligence in the supply chain

These due diligence obligations can be very comprehensive, as in the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) or focus on sector-specific obligations, as in the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation or the Deforestation Regulation. In the LkSG, due diligence obligations are primarily established as process-oriented ‘best effort obligations.’ This means that, in addition to anchoring specific rights and obligations in supply contracts, the establishment of an effective corporate organisation is coming to the fore. Risk management and risk analyses must be taken into account across all areas, and corporate structures must be appropriately reflected in business processes.

We advise our clients on the drafting of codes of conduct, the design of contracts that comply with due diligence obligations, the conception and establishment of complaint procedures, the fulfilment of specific reporting obligations and the legal prioritisation of remedial measures in the event of imminent or actual violations. Our clients benefit in particular from our decades of experience in projects to implement legally compliant corporate organisation in the areas of EHS, ESG, product compliance and operator responsibility in the real estate industry.