The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been making headlines in recent months, and rightfully so. However, it's important to recognise that this directive doesn't stand alone; it's intricately linked with its sister directive, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD or CS3D, also called European Duty of Vigilance Directive). While the CSRD focuses on reporting, the CSDDD takes the spotlight when it comes to the process of corporate sustainability.
But why should you start paying attention to the CSDDD right now?
As you may be aware, the CSDDD is currently in the trilogue phase within the European Union's directive process, where discussions and negotiations are taking place between the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament to finalise its details.
While certain aspects of the CSDDD, such as directors' duty of care, civil liability, and supply chain scope, still carry some uncertainties, the core requirements are becoming increasingly clear. It all begins with a fundamental exercise: the risk assessment of your supply chain, particularly the upstream components.
The time investment required
As the Member States have two years to transpose the directive into national law, why should you bother with the CSDDD now? Because it takes time.
1. Unravelling the Complexity: Understanding your supply chain is a complex endeavour that requires time and effort. This involves identifying not just your direct suppliers but also those in tiers 2, 3, or even further down the chain. You need to comprehend the intricate web of products and services that contribute to your final offerings.
2. Geographic Insight: It's not just about where your direct suppliers are located; it extends to tracing the origins of the raw materials that find their way into your products. This geographical insight is vital for compliance.
3. Building Trust: Perhaps the most time-consuming aspect is building trust with your suppliers. Establishing reliable and transparent relationships is key. It's about creating an environment where suppliers are confident in sharing data that will feed into your CSDDD process and eventual CSRD reporting.
But here's the catch: Time is of the essence.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business is prepared for the CSDDD, you should start your preparations now. Waiting until all the uncertainties are resolved may leave you scrambling to catch up.
In conclusion, embracing the challenges posed by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is not just a regulatory necessity; it's an opportunity to foster resilience, transparency, and ethical practices within your supply chain. While uncertainties persist, the clarity emerging around key requirements underscores the urgency of initiating your CSDDD journey.
At BeeAware Consulting, we specialise in guiding businesses through the intricacies of sustainability directives. Our services encompass comprehensive risk assessments, supplier engagement strategies, and the establishment of robust reporting frameworks. Act now to proactively navigate the complexities of the CSDDD and fortify your commitment to corporate sustainability. For tailored assistance, contact us at info@beeaware-consulting.com. Your proactive steps today will pave the way for a sustainable and compliant future tomorrow.
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