The National Contact Points help find solutions to specific issues that arise in specific cases of the applying the OECD Guidelines. They conduct their work impartially, predictably, fairly and in accordance with the OECD Guidelines.

Complaints procedures before the NCP

The NCP has established a complaints procedure that is used to foster agreement on contentious issues in a dialogue-based and consensual manner. Complaints can be launched by natural and legal persons, trade unions and NGOs which can show that they have a legitimate interest in a matter (form: Complaint to the German National Contact Point About an Alleged Violation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (PDF, 202 KB)).

The multinational company against which the complaint is launched is then given the opportunity to comment. The NCP carries out an initial evaluation to determine which complaints it accepts for in-depth examination. In cases where the NCP accepts the complaint, it offers moderation and mediation procedures to support the parties involved. Under this procedure, the NCP conducts talks with the parties involved, with the aim of reaching a solution that is acceptable to both sides. If agreement is reached, the NCP draws up a report that concludes the procedure. If no agreement is reached, it publishes a final statement which may include recommendations for implementing the OECD Guidelines.

The details of the complaints procedure are laid down in the Procedural Guidelines of the German National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.