NCP Germany
This page provides information related to NCP Germany. Directly underneath, you find the scores of the NCP on the NCP Evaluation Project. The NCP is evaluated on the indicators with Yes, No or Partial/Not Applicable. The indicators are ordered per category. Only a few indicators per category are shown on this page. To see them all, click on “more…. indicators To see what indicator scores best among all NCPs go to the NCP Evaluation Overview. At the bottom, there is news related to the NCP.
Related complaints
In the OECD Watch Complaint Database you can find all the related complaints with NCP Germany
NCP considers only the six admissibility criteria set out in the Guidelines and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP considers only the six admissibility criteria set out in the Guidelines.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp. 7-9:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP assesses the issues raised even if mediation is declined by a party and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that a report will be published 'if no agreement was reached between the parties or if one of the parties is not or no longer willing to take part in the procedure'. However, it does not state that the report will include the NCP's assessment of the issues raised and the company's observance of the Guidelines.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 12:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP website shows case-handling procedures for complaint handling in national language(s) and English.
Evaluation
The German NCP has published its case-handling procedures in German and English.
Source
Case-handling procedures in German:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/V/verfahrensleitfaden-oecd-010124.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4
Case-handling procedures in English:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP does not allow companies to remain anonymous when a complaint is filed and/or has a commitment not to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that when the initial assessment is concluded, it 'informs on its website about the status of pending complaints' which 'usually include[s] information on the parties' but does not state whether companies can choose to stay anonymous. It states that when it rejects the complaint, it only publishes the names of the parties if they give consent.
Source
Case-handling procedures, pages 5 and 10:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP allows complainants to withhold their identity from the company for security reasons, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that personal data can be kept confidential.
Source
Case-handling procedures pages5-6:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP offers guidance in both national language(s) and English on how to file complaints.
Evaluation
The German NCP provides a complaints form in both English and German.
NCP follows the expected timeline for each stage of the complaint-handling procedure and communicates punctually with all complaint parties over the status of the complaint, including any reasonable delays, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that it 'aims to conclude any coordination with other National Contact Points within two months; the initial assessment within three months and the entire procedure within twelve months (or fourteen months incases where coordination with other NCPs is needed) from the receipt of the complaint' and that 'should the NCP be unable to keep to the schedule set out in the Guidelines, it will inform the parties as soon as possible'.
Source
Case-handling procedures, page 14:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP website contains a permanent record of every complaint received by the NCP, including parties to the complaint, the issue(s) addressed, and the status of the complaint.
Evaluation
The German NCP has a complaints database that includes details of complaints that are concluded, but it does not list ongoing complaints nor include the full complaint text.
Source
Complaints database: https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/EN/Service/NKS-Beschwerdefaelle/beschwerdefaelle.html
NCP prevents or addresses potential or perceived conflicts of interest of any person playing a role for the NCP in the complaint and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that the NCP will develop a procedure to avoid conflicts of interest which 'should in particular lay out when members of the NCP or IMC must recuse themselves from the complaint procedure to avoid an actual or potential conflict of interest'. However it has not published the procedure. It states that the NCP 'minimizes the risk of conflicts of interest when selecting possible external mediators' where 'a conflict of interest prevents the employment of a mediator in an NCP complaint procedure'.
Source
Case-handling procedures p.14:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP recommends consequences from its government for companies that engage in bad faith in the proceedings or fail to implement agreements reached, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that constructive participation in the complaint procedures has been taken into account when granting certain foreign trade and investment support measures (export credit guarantees, investment guarantees, untied financial loans). It further states that, if companies fail to deal with allegations under the Guidelines, it can lead to the denial of future trade and investment support measures, while constructive participation can be taken into account when companies are selected for participation of official visits from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action's leadership.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 2:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP clarifies how it will engage with other NCPs in relation to the handling of complaints, including explaining when complaints may be jointly handled or transferred to other NCPs.
Evaluation
The German NCP clarifies how it will coordinate with other NCPs in relation to handling of complaints.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp. 6-7:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP makes determinations in its final statements when no agreement is reached explaining how the company has (not) observed specific provisions of the Guidelines, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that "at no point in the procedure does the NCP determine whether or not the company acted in line with the Guidelines".
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 13:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP ensures a low threshold to assess whether the issue is material and substantiated and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that a complaint must be material and sufficiently substantiated, defining sufficient as allegations presented in a credible manner with no requirement to prove the case, like in a court.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 9:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP ensures it has access to and, where relevant, uses investigative resources and broad external subject-matter expertise to support its complaint handling functions, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that, if necessary, it can seek advice from competent authorities, the local embassies, representatives of the business community, employee organisations, other NGOs as well as proven experts. It states that it can consult the NCPs of other countries and 'ask for information from the OECD Secretariat on NCP practices in similar cases and for advice by the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct, and/or seek guidance from the OECD Investment Committee in cases where the NCP is unsure as to how to interpret the Guidelines in a particular case'.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 11:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP always engages in follow-up and publishes follow-up statements where relevant, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that where relevant, it 'follows up on the implementation of the agreement or recommendations in an appropriate manner and in line with the timelines specified in the final report' and that the follow-up report will be published on the NCP website. The NCP has done so in practice.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 13:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
Complaints database: https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/EN/Service/NKS-Beschwerdefaelle/beschwerdefaelle.html
NCP plays a guiding role in mediation, ensuring agreements reached further the implementation of the Guidelines and address past harms.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that in its good offices it 'provides its expertise on the Guidelines and supports the Parties in finding agreements that are compatible with the Guidelines'. It states the purpose of mediation meetings is to 'facilitate an agreement between the parties about the issues raised and possible measures to further the implementation of the Guidelines in the future or address negative effects in line with the OECD Guidelines'.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp. 3-4, 11:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP accepts complaints in national language(s) and English and covers the cost of translation of key filings and statements and interpretation during mediation, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP accepts cases in German and, if necessary, English. Where possible, it makes translation or interpretation services available, but it is restricted to the most important steps of the proceedings.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp. 4 and 14:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP holds mediation in the most accessible manner for complainants and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that 'mediation meetings usually take place at the premises of the National Contact Point in the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action in Berlin' but that it 'can use appropriate communication technologies and can conduct mediation meetings fully or partially remotely' in order to 'facilitate the greatest possible participation of the parties in the mediation meetings'.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 11:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP works to accept complaints despite parallel proceedings and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP accepts complaints despite parallel proceedings. It states that it will assess whether its involvement could positively contribute to resolving the issues and supporting the implementation of the Guidelines, without causing serious harm to any party involved in other proceedings. The NCP will consult with parties to the complaint requesting that they provide all relevant information on the parallel proceedings. It can also decide to partially accept or supsend the complaint while the parallel proceedings are ongoing.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 9:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP provides an external review process for parties to pursue if they believe the NCP has not followed its internal procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP does not provide an external review process.
NCP consults parties on and publishes a final statement that includes the basic information required after the case reaches that stage, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP consults with parties and publishes the final statement on its website.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 13:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP website shows the initial assessment for every complaint received which is published after the initial assessment stage is concluded, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that it will publish initial assessments on its website. In practice, the NCP's website only shows concluded complaints and does not include the initial assessments for a number of recent complaints.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp. 9-10:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
Complaints database: https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/EN/Service/NKS-Beschwerdefaelle/beschwerdefaelle.html
NCP makes recommendations in its final statements on specific company action needed to support remediation of past harm and/or observe the Guidelines in future, and/or the NCP has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that where an agreement is reached, the NCP can help with the implementation of the agreement and issue recommendations on the implementation of the Guidelines. It states that where no agreement was reached, its final report will include recommendations where relevant.
Source
Case-handling procedures p. 12:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP proclaims zero tolerance for reprisals against the NCP and implements measures to respond to (risks of) reprisals, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that 'threatening or using any form of reprisal against complainants or respondents, the NCP or external mediators during or after the NCP complaint procedure is unacceptable' and that the NCP can 'initiate appropriate measures in steering the procedure and in line with its capacities to protect those involved, the NCP or the mediators'.
Source
Case-handling procedures pp.13-14:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP proclaims zero tolerance for reprisals against complainants and assesses and implements measures to prevent and respond to (risks of) reprisals, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that 'threatening or using any form of reprisal against complainants or respondents, the NCP or external mediators during or after the NCP complaint procedure is unacceptable' and that the NCP can 'initiate appropriate measures in steering the procedure and in line with its capacities to protect those involved, the NCP or the mediators'.
Source
Case-handling procedures, page 13-14:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP supports transparency between the parties in the complaint process generally, including by the sharing of all relevant facts and arguments brought forward by each party during the proceedings with other parties, requiring confidentiality only over the personal identities of parties for security/privacy reasons or legitimately sensitive business information, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that all comments by the parties are normally shared in order to ensure that parties have a comparable level of knowledge. It states that any confidential business information shared by the company should be marked as such with reasons why it must be treated confidentially, and such information will only be shared if consent has been given. The German NCP also protects confidentiality of personal data.
Source
Case-handling procedures pages 4 and 7:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP supports transparency during the complaint process by allowing complainants to publish their own complaint and communicate about the stages of the process. The NCP requires confidentiality only over the personal identities of parties for security/privacy reasons, legitimately sensitive business information, and documents shared and discussions had during the mediation stage, and/or has a commitment to do so in its case-handling procedures.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that parties can 'publicly communicate about the existence and the stage of the complaint procedure and... publish their submissions to the NCP', but that 'there is a limit to transparency in particular where it comes to necessary protection of commercial secrets or, where relevant, personal data'. However, it also states that conducting of a public campaign against a party may damage trust in the procedures and lessen the prospect of a successful outcome.
Source
Case-handling procedures page 5-6:
https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/procedural-guidance-german-national-contact-point-240101.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2
NCP has a dedicated detailed budget that is published on its website.
Evaluation
The German NCP does have a dedicated budget but it is not published on its website.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 12
NCP has an independent expert structure whereby complaints are handled strictly by non-governmental independent experts.
Evaluation
The German NCP does not have an independent expert structure.; it has an inter agency structure.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 1
NCP is not housed within a ministry focused on economics, trade, or investment to limit risk of real or perceived conflict of interest.
Evaluation
The German NCP is housed within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in the Directorate-General for External Economic Policy.
NCP is led or overseen by senior officials that are actively engaged with the NCP’s work.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that it is led by a senior official, the head of unit of VC6-NKS in BMWK.
Source
Correspondence with NCP
NCP employs two or more full-time staff that hold permanent (non-rotating and not short-term) positions.
Evaluation
The German NCP states that it has 2.7 full-time-equivalent staff (5 part-time and 1 full-time) and that the staff hold medium- to long-term positions; usually, at least two years.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 8 – 9
NCP has a multi-stakeholder advisory body involving all three core stakeholder groups (NGOs, labour unions/workers organisations, businesses). The advisory body is meaningfully consulted by the NCP on its promotional and complaint-handling activities at least 2 times a year.
Evaluation
The German NCP has a multi-stakeholder advisory body involving all three core stakeholder groups. It met twice in 2023.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 6
NCP structure ensures all three core stakeholder groups (NGOs, labour unions/workers organisations, businesses) at minimum advise on individual complaints.
Evaluation
The German NCP has an inter agency structure whereby complaints are handled by government officials. The German NCP does not involve stakeholders (such as through its advisory body) in the handling of complaints.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 1
NCP has a website that shows:
- Contact information for the NCP;
- Links to the Guidelines and translations of the Guidelines in national language(s) and English;
- Links to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance documents;
- A comprehensive description of the Guidelines, due diligence, and the dual mandate of the NCP in national language(s) and English; and
- The NCP’s most recent annual report to the OECD.
Evaluation
The German NCP's website includes all the items listed and is available in English and German.
Source
NCP webiste: https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/EN/Dossier/national-contact-point-ncp.html
NCP annually promotes the Guidelines and due diligence guidance to civil society.
Evaluation
The German NCP has (co-)organised promotional events targeted towards core stakeholder groups, including one event specifically for civil society and trade unions.
Source
Annual report 2023, question 26 & Annex, Table 1 & 2
NCPs annually promotes the Guidelines and due diligence guidance to its government.
Evaluation
The German NCP has (co-)organised and participated in a number of promotional events targeted towards its government, including ministries for Economy Cooperation and Development, Labour and Social Affairs, Interior and Community, and Responsible Business Hubs.
Source
Annual Report 2023, question 49 – 50 & Annex, Table 1 & 2
NCP supports its government in developing, implementing, and fostering policies, programmes, and/or laws on responsible business conduct that are coherent with the Guidelines.
Evaluation
The German NCP participated in the German government's negotiation of development of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the EU Forced Labour Regulation.
Source
Annual report 2023; questions 51 – 59