The Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) refers to the set of principles and practices through which enterprises carry out their activities in an ethical, sustainable, and internationally compliant manner. It requires companies to consider the actual and potential impacts of their operations on people, the environment, and the economy, while safeguarding their reputation, business relationships, and competitiveness. At the same time, RBC contributes to creating a level playing field and consistent global standards for enterprises.
A core element of Responsible Business Conduct is the implementation of due diligence (DD), an approach introduced in 1976 with the adoption by Italy and other OECD member countries of the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises . The RBC celebrates its 50° anniversary this year.
OECD Guidelines
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct provide a risk-based framework to help companies align their strategies with international standards. They support enterprises in identifying, preventing, mitigating, and addressing actual or potential adverse impacts that may be directly or indirectly linked to their operations, products, services, or business relationships.
The Guidelines are aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the fundamental ILO Conventions and serve as a key instrument for their implementation.
They cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Human rights
- Environment
- Employment and industrial relations
- Anti-corruption and prevention of illicit conduct
- Consumer interests
- Science, technology, and innovation
- Competition
- Taxation
- Disclosure and transparency
By promoting responsible practices, the Guidelines strengthen business resilience, enhance inclusion and sustainability, and help companies navigate uncertainty across the entire value chain over the long term.
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct
- OCSE flyer: Information Sheet on the Fundamental Principles of Responsible Business Conduct and the Role of Due Diligence according to the OECD.
Sectoral Guidance
The OECD has developed sector-specific guidance to support the practical implementation of due diligence across industries:
- Agri-food Industry and Deforestation:
- Environment:
- Managing Climate Risks and Impacts Through Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct - Explains how institutional investors can apply OECD due diligence to prevent and mitigate climate-related impacts of portfolio companies, linking climate commitments to real-economy outcomes
- Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI (2026) Provides recommendations for embedding Responsible Business Conduct in AI development and deployment.
- Mining and Extractive Sector:
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict‑Affected and High‑Risk Areas. The Guidance also serves as a reference for complying with the due diligence obligations set out in the EU Regulation (EU) 2017/821.
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement in the Extractive Sector
- Textile and Footwear Sector:
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector Supports companies in preventing and addressing adverse impacts throughout this specific sectoral supply chains.
Supporting Tools and Training Modules
The OECD provides a range of practical tools and capacity-building resources to support enterprises in implementing RBC and due diligence:
- OCSE Due Diligence Checker: A self-assessment tool that enables companies to evaluate their alignment with international standards, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement in their risk management systems.
- OCSE Due Diligence Readiness: A platform offering training, digital tools, and resources to help enterprises, governments, and stakeholders effectively implement due diligence and develop practical skills in Responsible Business Conduct.
- OECD Guidelines Tutorial (video with subtitles): Developed by the Portuguese NCP for RBC and recognized by the OECD as a best practice, this tutorial series provides accessible guidance on the OECD Guidelines. In the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the RBC, the Southern Europe NCP Network, including Italy, decided to translate the subtitles, in the countries mother tongue to make it more comprehensive to their own stakeholders.