BAFA has published a question and answer catalogue for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on cooperation in the supply chain. The catalogue is aimed at SMEs that are not covered by the LkSG but nevertheless come into contact with the law.
The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) obliges large companies to observe human rights and environmental due diligence obligations in their supply chains. SMEs do not have to comply with the legal due diligence obligations.
However, an SME may come into contact with the requirements of the Act if it provides services or supplies products to another company that is itself subject to the obligations of the LkSG. This is because the SME is then considered to be a direct supplier of the obligated enterprise within the meaning of the LkSG. The obligated enterprise must include direct subcontractors where it suspects a risk in its concrete risk analysis and, if necessary, in its preventive and remedial measures as well as in the establishment of its complaints procedure.
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LkSG: New information on supply chain cooperation
Supply chain cooperation between obligated companies and their suppliers
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