Due Diligence: From soft to hard law

Belgian authorities launch criminal probe into Apple's alleged sourcing of "blood minerals" from DRC. Case exemplifies shift from soft law to hard law tactics 

The Key Points: Belgian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into Apple regarding allegations of sourcing "blood minerals" from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case signifies a shift from soft law tactics to hard law enforcement concerning corporate accountability.

Why This Matters: This development highlights the increasing legal risks associated with supply chain management. Employers must understand that failure to comply with human rights standards can lead to severe legal consequences.

What Might Happen Next: As due diligence laws become more stringent in the EU, similar cases are likely to emerge, increasing pressure on companies to ensure ethical sourcing practices.

What You Should Be Doing: Evaluate your supply chain practices and ensure compliance with emerging due diligence laws. Implement robust monitoring systems to identify and mitigate risks related to human rights violations in your supply chains.