Dutch Parliament Adopts Child Labour Due Diligence Law

On February 7, 2017, the Dutch Parliament adopted the Child Labour Due Diligence Law ("Wet Zorgplicht Kinderarbeid"), with 82 votes (of 150 MPs) in favor. Initiated by member Van Laar of the Dutch Labour Party, the law requires companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their production chain. If this is the case, companies have to develop a plan of action to combat child labour and draw up a declaration about their investigation and plan of action. This statement will be recorded in a public register by a yet to be determined public authority. If the Dutch Senate also gives its approval, the new Act will be effective from January 1, 2020.