About the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
[ Last Updated 10 October 2008 ]
Contents
What Are the Guidelines?
The OECD Guidelines [link to OECD website] are an important tool for 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR). They are a set of non-binding recommendations to help multinational enterprises operate in harmony with the policies and societal expectations of the countries in which they conduct business. They provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business conduct. They cover issues such as information disclosure, employment, industrial relations, the environment, combating bribery, consumer interests, science and technology, competition and taxation.
The Guidelines are recommendations jointly addressed by governments to multinational enterprises. They provide principles and standards of good practice consistent with applicable laws. Observance of the Guidelines by enterprises is voluntary and not legally enforceable.
Obeying national laws is the first obligation for enterprises. The Guidelines are not a substitute for, nor do they override, national law. They represent standards of behaviour supplemental to national laws and, as such, do not create conflicting requirements. Ultimately, the success and effectiveness of the Guidelines depends on the responsibility and good faith of all parties involved with their promotion and implementation.
The Guidelines were developed by the 30 member governments (including New Zealand). They are part of the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. While the Guidelines themselves are a non-binding recommendation to businesses, governments have a responsibility - through the use of National Contact Points (NCPs) - to promote the Guidelines, encourage their use, handle enquiries and help to respond to any issues that may arise.
Download a one-page information sheet on the Guidelines [93 PDF]
The OECD Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises in Weak Governance Zones was developed as a follow-up to the Guidelines. It aims to help companies that invest in countries where governments are unwilling or unable to assume their responsibilities. It addresses risks and ethical dilemmas that companies are likely to face in such weak governance zones. The Risk Awareness Tool raises a number of questions useful for companies facing such difficult operating environments.
What Is the NCP?
The Ministry of Economic Development has been appointed as New Zealand's national contact point (NCP). The Ministry of Economic Development draws on the expertise and assistance of several other government agencies to carry out the NCP's responsibilities.
The purpose of the NCP is quite simply to further the effectiveness of the Guidelines. The NCP has three broad roles - promoting the Guidelines, assisting in the resolution of any issues arising from the Guidelines, and reporting on its activities to the OECD. The NCP operates in accordance with the core criteria of visibility, accessibility, transparency and accountability.
The New Zealand NCP is part of a network of over 40 NCPs around the world and works constructively with its counterparts in other adhering countries. This cooperative approach is mandated in the implementation procedures of the Guidelines.
What Does the NCP Do?
Promoting the Guidelines
Information about the Guidelines can be downloaded from this site. The NCP can also supply information about the Guidelines in hard copy on request and free of charge. To request an information booklet or other information, please contact the NCP at the address below.
The NCP will also respond to any enquiries about the Guidelines. The NCP will work with other government departments, the business community, employee organisations, other non-government organisations, other stakeholders and the public to raise awareness of the Guidelines. Read about the NCP Liaison Group below.
Assisting in the Resolution of Issues
The NCP will contribute within the context of existing national law to the resolution of issues that arise relating to implementation of the Guidelines on 'specific instances' (complaints). The NCP will offer as appropriate a forum for discussion and assist the parties concerned to deal with the issues raised in an efficient and timely manner and in accordance with applicable law. Given the international context of the Guidelines, it may be appropriate for the NCP to coordinate its efforts with NCPs in other adhering countries. For more on the process for raising a 'specific instance', please see this page.
Reporting
The NCP reports annually to the OECD, as required under the Guidelines These reports are posted on this website.
Feedback from interested parties on how the NCP should operate would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to submit comments or suggestions please contact oecd-ncp@med.govt.nz or phone 04-472-0030.
The Liaison Group
The NCP is assisted by an advisory Liaison Group including representatives from the Department of Labour, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MED, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, Business New Zealand, Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), and the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development. The group assists the NCP in achieving its objectives, develops and identifies areas that may require further attention and puts the views of members to the NCP. The Liaison Group aims to meet twice a year.
Contacting the NCP
Please contact:
Standards, Sustainability and Trade Facilitation Team
Competition, Trade and Investment Branch
Ministry of Economic Development
PO Box 1473
Wellington
Ph: 04-472-0030
Fax: 04-499-8508
Email: oecd-ncp@med.govt.nz
Other Adhering Governments
The governments of 41 countries adhere to the OECD Guidelines: the 30 members of the OECD and an additional 11. Each is required to have a National Contact Point. Under the principle of 'functional equivalence', NCPs are organised in many different ways, normally seeking the active support of social partners, including the business community, employee organisations, and other interested governmental and non-governmental organisations. Contact details for each NCP are available on the OECD website.
OECD Members
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovak Republic
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
Non-OECD Adhering Countries
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Israel
- Lativa
- Lithuania
- Peru
- Romania
- Slovenia
→ List of National Contact Points [link to OECD website]
Links
For more information, please see Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises [link to OECD website].
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