OECD GUIDELINES
FOR MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES
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The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines) are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational companies operating in or headquartered in adhering countries, which seek to promote the positive contribution of companies to economic, environmental, and social progress all over the world.
These guidelines contain non-binding principles and standards for responsible business conduct (2), they constitute the only comprehensive and multilaterally agreed code of responsible business conduct that governments have committed to promoting, since they express the values of countries which give rise to a large part of foreign direct investment and which are the headquarters of many of the largest multinational companies.
Main OECD Guidelines
EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Respect the rights of workers, cooperate with trade union organizations, prevent labor discrimination and contribute to the eradication of child labor and forced labor.
DISCLOSURE
Periodically disclose reports related to the exercise of its activities, respecting the principles of transparency and responsibility.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Recognize and respect the human rights of the stakeholders of multinational companies, in all their business actions.
ENVIRONMENT
Protect the environment and strive to avoid, prevent and reduce serious damage to nature, through the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.
COMBATING BRIBERY, BRIBE SOLICITATION AND EXTORTION
Establish internal control mechanisms and ethical programs for company workers aimed at preventing illicit actions.
RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE TOWARDS CONSUMERS
Adopt necessary measures to guarantee the quality and reliability of the goods and services offered.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Promote the transfer of new technologies and foster local innovative capacity, duly protecting intellectual property rights.
COMPETITION
Act in accordance with current legislation and regulations in order to avoid distortions in the exercise of its operations.
TAXATION
Contribute to the public finances of the countries where the companies carry out activities, making punctual payment of their tax obligations, refraining from taking actions aimed at unduly reducing the tax burden.
The OECD Guidelines (3), in their different chapters, cover issues based on the standards of responsible business conduct in favor of enhancing the contribution of multinational companies to the sustainable development of the country and developing their activities in harmony with public policies.
