Policy Work

STTI’s mandate is to bridge the gap between policy makers and voices in the supply chain. Due diligence laws across the globe aim to address negative impacts on human rights and the environment. However, suppliers and manufacturers in producing countries, where most of the risks for human rights and environmental violations can be identified and impacts occur, are often overlooked or insufficiently involved in the legislative process and the follow-up implementation. As risk-based approaches for due diligence are expected to include the entire supply chain, suppliers need to be more involved and part of a more collaborative approach. The transfer of regulatory obligations to suppliers is not an accepted way of conducting due diligence.

With suppliers being directly affected by purchasing practices, it is important for STTI to present its members’ views on the impact of due diligence legislation in critical consumer markets on supply chains. STTI brings together their positions and expectations on purchasing practices (e.g. responsible contracts, reasonable payment terms, lead times) and ensures that they speak with one voice to buyers and policy makers. STTI is committed to promoting more equal buyer-supplier relationships, for which it is crucial to take feedback from the supply chain and work towards reducing power imbalances. Thanks to STTI’s continued advocacy for stakeholder engagement and responsible purchasing practices, these are increasingly recognised by policy makers and buyers as key elements in reducing negative impacts on human rights and the environment.

For current updates visit STTI’s LinkedIn Page.