Due diligence and risk

UEBT - Sourcing with Respect works to guide and support companies along the supply chain to respond to evolving rules on responsible sourcing due diligence, promoting active collaboration with suppliers in sourcing risk mitigation.

Companies in the UEBT platform commit to managing risks for people and biodiversity. They need to respond to growing due diligence policies around the world. Many of these rules initially apply to larger companies and widely traded commodities, but as significant biodiversity impacts and dependencies occur in botanicals sourcing areas, these rules will certainly affect many smaller companies along the supply chain as well as more specialty ingredients.

UEBT supports companies with guidance, tools and support to manage risks, in line with the global UEBT standard.

Due diligence consists of several components, including assessing country and ingredient risks, and also assessing risks in specific supply chains.  UEBT offers tools to support this:

1. UEBT responsible sourcing risk database

2. UEBT Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) database

UEBT responsible sourcing risk database

The UEBT responsible sourcing risk database is an online tool tailored to the particular social, environmental and economic risks related to botanicals.  It provides specific risk scores across 25 risk indicators aligned to the UEBT standard, with detailed risk scores for each at the ingredient and country level.  It contains more than 250 individual ingredient risk profiles and is growing. The database is regularly updated and allows for combining risk assessments from both the country and ingredient levels.  The risk profiles are created based on reliable data sources, and also first-hand field observations of conventional, uncontrolled practices in that specific ingredient.

UEBT Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) database

This tool supports businesses in their due diligence on ABS. The tool is a continuously updated database with information on existing rules on ABS around the world and insights into their scope, requirements and practical application.

Human rights due diligence in sourcing areas

UEBT also emphasises human rights due diligence in sourcing areas and supports member companies on action plans and through guidance, tools and supply chain assessments. UEBT also promotes transformation of practices in key sourcing areas through member projects, sector collaboration initiatives, and local partnerships.