Call for due diligence in response to abuses in the granite industry

31.8.2017

Question for written answer E-005421-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Judith Sargentini (Verts/ALE)

The report by the Landelijke India Werkgroep (LIW) (National Working Group on India) indicates that serious abuses occur in the granite industry, such as child labour and practices verging on slavery. One of the recommendations to businesses is that they should subscribe to the best existing multi-stakeholder initiative which adheres as closely as possible to the UNGP and OECD guidelines, and that these should be further improved. It is recommended that the EU should introduce a due diligence requirement and a requirement for businesses to render the supply chain transparent.

1. What has the Commission so far done to tackle abuses in this industry, and what more will it do in the light of this report?

2. What view does the Commission take of the recommendation for compulsory due diligence (particularly for SMEs), such as already exists for timber and conflict minerals, in the light of the proliferation of voluntary initiatives to which businesses subscribe and which fall short of international standards and are insufficiently effective to tackle abuses?

3. Will the Commission order an inquiry and ascertain to what extent the current voluntary initiatives in the granite industry comply with the standards of the UNGP and OECD guidelines?