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Sustainability - Netherlands

Updated 07/2009

Legal requirements

Corporate Social Responsibility

In addition to producing profits, as a business owner it is to your advantage to consider the wider implications of your company's existence, both in human and environmental terms. One of the ways to do this is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It applies to all core business processes, from buying and production through to personnel policy and marketing.

Standards

The law requires businesses to comply with minimum social and environmental rules.

Administrative procedures

Getting started with CSR

           CSR Netherlands   helps businesses take their first steps towards CSR. As a know-how and network body, CSR Netherlands encourages businesses to adopt CSR.

  • CSR Netherlands Nederlands

Certification of standards

Businesses complying with specific CSR standards are eligible for certification or allowed to use verification marking.

Quality management standards

The ISO 9001 standard places requirements on a business's quality management system. Businesses with ISO certification are able to show customers that they comply with the relevant requirements.

Environmental management standards

The ISO 14001 standard places requirements on a business's environmental management system. Businesses with ISO certification are able to show customers that their product or products comply with the relevant requirements.

The European Ecolabel awards European environmental certification to non-food products and services. Businesses with a European Ecolabel are able to show customers and buyers that their product or products comply with the relevant requirements.

  • European Ecolabel Nederlands

Occupational safety management standards

The OHSAS 18001 standard imposes requirements on working conditions. The requirements apply to both permanent and temporary staff and to workplace visitors. OHSAS certification allows businesses to demonstrate that they have an effective health & safety management system.

Resources

You can devise your CSR policy using the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) road map, which provides information on:

  • drawing up an inventory of expectations and CSR topics;
  • formulating CSR objectives and activities;
  • evaluative aspects;
  • communication within a company;
  • tests to ascertain how socially responsible your business already is.
  • CSR within your business Nederlands

             CSR Netherlands   offers a starter page and guide for Dutch businesses in the field of corporate social responsibility.

The Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) provides information on CSR in terms of doing business outside the Netherlands.

  • CSR and doing business abroad Nederlands

Programmes

There are various subsidy opportunities for CSR.

  • Available CSR subsidies Nederlands

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Living and moving in Europe

Still need help?

Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

The Chamber of Commerce provides information on the various aspects of CSR in the Netherlands.

  • Chamber of Commerce: CSR Nederlands