German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
What is the goal of this law? To protect human rights and the environment, which has already been an integral part of our ESG strategy and codes of conduct.
Information for our suppliers
Germany is setting new standards by requiring companies to be more socially responsible. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, known in German as the Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG), requires German companies which meet certain criteria to complete human rights and environmental due diligence and risk management. The law went into effect on January 1, 2023.
DB Schenker must comply with the law, both as 100% daughter of DB and in our own right.
Because DB Schenker is headquartered in Germany, this German law also has a global impact. You need to be aware that all our international locations must comply with the law, which will impact all our suppliers globally. We must identify and address human rights issues and environmental risks in our operations and supply chains so that together, we can make the world a better place.
What does this mean for our suppliers?
We will continue to engage with you to ensure good information sharing. An important part is knowing what to expect – and how this law will impact you as our business partner.
Please stay informed on this page as we share our latest activities and what to expect. You are encouraged to visit often to read the most up-to-date news and answers to frequently asked questions.
A few important topics will include:
- Communicating our expectations on human rights and environmental topics through e.g. our contractual documents and our policy statement;
- Active engagement with you to address any identified risks and how we can work together to resolve them
Schenker AG Policy Statement on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence
Transparency and openness on human rights and environmental topics, including on our expectations for our business partners, is important to us at DB Schenker.
Schenker AG Policy Statement on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (PDF, 195.59 KB)
In our policy statement, we confirm:
- Our commitment to sustainable and responsible corporate governance;
- The procedures by which we implement our due diligence obligations under the LkSG;
- The human rights and environmental issues that are particularly relevant to us, including those that we have identified as priorities on the basis of our risk analysis, and;
- Our expectations for both ourselves and our business partners.
As our business partners, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the contents of this policy statement to ensure a mutual understanding and commitment for collaboration moving into the coming year.
Complaints procedure
At DB Schenker, we take responsibility for our work in Germany as well as in other countries. As the foundation of a reliable partnership, we also expect our suppliers to treat people and the environment with respect.
- With the introduction of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG), the legislator has created the framework for a responsible and sustainable value creation along the entire supply chain. As part of the Deutsche Bahn, we comply with the requirements of the LkSG.
- To ensure that both our own business operations and our supply chains are compliant with the law, we have set up a complaint procedure. Complaints and information about human rights and environment-related risks and violations can be reported using the Deutsche Bahn link below.
The complaints procedure can be accessed via LkSG: Nachhaltige Lieferketten bei der Deutschen Bahn (deutschebahn.com). For more information, please refer to the complaint procedure.