Stocktaking exercise on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNE Guidelines) reflect the expectation from governments to businesses on how to act responsibly in all areas where business interacts with people, the planet and society, including human rights, labour rights, environment, bribery, consumer interests, as well as information disclosure, science and technology, competition, and taxation. 

2021 marked the 10th anniversary since the MNE Guidelines were last revised. In 2020, the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) initiated a stocktaking exercise to obtain a clearer picture as to whether the MNE Guidelines remain fit for purpose; and to provide a basis upon which to discuss potential options for moving forward. 

Stocktaking report on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

3 May 2022 - In support of the stocktaking exercise, this stocktaking report assesses the key developments, achievements and challenges related to the MNE Guidelines and their unique grievance mechanism, the National Contact Points for RBC, as well as the ecosystem in which the OECD Guidelines are implemented.

The report was developed based on inputs from the National Contact Points for RBC; inputs by the Institutional Stakeholders BIAC, TUAC and OECD Watch; and consultations with OECD Committees; and inputs received during an online public consultation held from 1 June until 14 September 2021.

Download the stocktaking report

• Findings from the survey of National Contact Points for RBC

• Compilation of submissions from BIAC

• Compilation of submissions from TUAC

• Compilation of submissions from OECD Watch

• Public consultation: Compilation of public submissions

• Public consultation: Compilation of responses to the online survey

• Public consultation: Compilation of submissions from international organisations

Next steps

Following the finalisation of the Stocktaking Report, the Working Party is currently discussing options for moving forward to ensure that the MNE Guidelines and their implementation including through the NCP system remain fit for purpose.