Lessons from France’s Law on Devoir de vigilance

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2021
• Author: Maria Lancri

Speaker

Maria has been a lawyer for 25 years, acting both in private practice and in-house. She is in intervening in business law matters and in Compliance, a skill that she developed while at Hachette Livre’s. She is back in private practice since 2015, just in time to implement GDPR, Sapin II and the duty of care law (devoir de vigilance) in France.

Topic

This presentation delves into the profound insights gleaned from France's groundbreaking law on "devoir de vigilance," which translates to the "duty of vigilance." Our focus will be on closely examining the initial outcomes and implications of Law No. 2017-399, primarily from the viewpoint of companies, as they navigated the novel challenges posed by this legislation. Moreover, we will delve into the practical aspects of implementing supply-chain due diligence, shedding light on how businesses can effectively integrate responsible practices into their operations.

The "devoir de vigilance" law, enacted in France, represents a pioneering step in the realm of corporate social responsibility, urging companies to uphold heightened vigilance throughout their supply chains. It constitutes a significant departure from traditional corporate practices, emphasizing the notion of accountability and promoting a deeper sense of moral responsibility in business activities.

Throughout this presentation, we will evaluate the initial experiences of companies in adapting to Law No. 2017-399. We will explore the multifaceted challenges they faced while seeking compliance and the varying approaches adopted by diverse industries. By examining real-world case studies, we aim to shed light on both the triumphs and stumbling blocks encountered by companies, ultimately uncovering the vital lessons that can guide others on a similar journey towards sustainability and ethical business practices.

Furthermore, we will delve into the intricacies of supply-chain due diligence, analyzing the methodologies and best practices for ensuring that every link in the supply chain adheres to responsible guidelines. This exploration will encompass risk assessment techniques, transparency and disclosure measures, and strategies to address...