EU Omnibus vote changes the rules, yet not the need for effective due diligence
Why managing human rights and environmental risks remains essential for resilient businesses and meaningful improvements for workers
For more than 25 years, Fair Wear has worked with companies, workers, their representatives, and other stakeholders to advance human rights in global supply chains. By supporting the integration of due diligence into everyday business practice, we have seen that a risk-based approach to human rights and environmental due diligence delivers lasting impact, especially when applied consistently and at scale.
This experience is why Fair Wear has supported EU-level due diligence legislation. While the original Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was not without shortcomings, it provided an important framework for recognising companies that had already invested in voluntary due diligence, encouraging wider uptake, and helping to create a more level playing field across the market. Crucially, it stipulated the necessary elements to have a positive and lasting impact on workers’ lives along supply chains, namely meaningful stakeholder engagement and easier access to justice.
The Omnibus revisions significantly narrow the scope of the Directive and shift responsibility back towards a more voluntary landscape for many companies. While this reduces the regulatory requirements, it does not reduce the underlying need for effective human rights and environmental due diligence. The realities of global supply chains remain the same: workers continue to face risks and actual harm; environmental pressures are intensifying, and supply chains are increasingly exposed to disruption and volatility.
From our work with brands of different sizes and business models, we know that effective human rights and environmental due diligence is also a business imperative. Companies that identify and address risks early, engage meaningfully with workers, their representatives, and suppliers, and take responsibility for their purchasing practices are better positioned to build trust and prevent harm. In doing so, they are also better equipped to provide remedy and strengthen long-term resilience.
Looking ahead, Fair Wear will continue to work with businesses, policymakers and stakeholders to co-develop and refine practical standards, frameworks and tools for impactful due diligence implementation. Our focus remains on demonstrating what works in practice, grounded in stakeholder perspectives, informed by evidence, and aligned across the industry.
Even in a changing legislative landscape, responsible business conduct is becoming a defining feature of future-ready companies. Fair Wear remains committed to supporting this transition and to ensuring that due diligence helps strengthen businesses while delivering real improvements for workers.