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An Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy outlines how organizations actively prevent and combat modern slavery, forced labor, and human trafficking in their operations and supply chains. In Belgium, these policies align with the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive and local criminal code provisions that strictly prohibit exploitation and trafficking.

Companies use this policy to set clear standards, train employees, screen suppliers, and establish reporting procedures for suspected violations. It helps Belgian businesses meet their legal obligations, protect vulnerable workers, and demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices. The policy typically includes due diligence requirements, risk assessment frameworks, and specific steps for addressing incidents when discovered.

You need an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy when your business operates in high-risk sectors like manufacturing, construction, or agriculture, or when working with international suppliers. Belgian companies with more than 50 employees or €10M in annual revenue face increased scrutiny of their supply chain practices under EU regulations.

The policy becomes essential when expanding operations, entering new markets, or responding to investor due diligence requests. It's particularly important when dealing with suppliers from regions known for labor violations, bidding on government contracts, or seeking ESG-focused investments. Having this policy in place helps protect your organization from legal risks and reputational damage.

• Basic Policy: Core version focused on legal compliance, supplier screening, and incident reporting - ideal for small and medium enterprises in Belgium
• Comprehensive Supply Chain Policy: Detailed version with extensive due diligence procedures and risk assessment frameworks - suited for large corporations with international operations
• Industry-Specific Policy: Tailored versions for high-risk sectors like construction, textile manufacturing, or agriculture, with sector-specific risk indicators
• Group-Level Policy: Broader version covering multiple subsidiaries and cross-border operations within the EU, with adaptable local compliance sections
• Integrated ESG Policy: Combined version that incorporates anti-slavery measures within broader environmental, social, and governance frameworks

• Board of Directors: Approves and oversees the Anti-Slavery Policy, ensuring corporate commitment to ethical practices
• Legal Department: Drafts and updates the policy to align with Belgian and EU regulations
• Compliance Officers: Monitor implementation and manage reporting mechanisms for potential violations
• HR Managers: Train employees and ensure workplace practices meet policy standards
• Procurement Teams: Screen suppliers and enforce policy requirements throughout the supply chain
• External Suppliers: Must comply with policy requirements and demonstrate ethical labor practices
• Employees: Follow policy guidelines and report suspected violations through designated channels

• Supply Chain Assessment: Map your entire supply chain, identifying high-risk areas and suppliers
• Legal Requirements: Review current Belgian labor laws and EU anti-trafficking directives
• Industry Standards: Research sector-specific guidelines and best practices for your industry
• Internal Processes: Document existing recruitment, supplier vetting, and monitoring procedures
• Risk Analysis: Evaluate potential exposure points in operations and partnerships
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from procurement, HR, and compliance teams
• Reporting Mechanisms: Define clear procedures for reporting and investigating concerns
• Training Plans: Outline how staff will be educated about the policy requirements

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking
• Legal Framework: References to Belgian Criminal Code and EU Anti-Trafficking Directive
• Scope Definition: Detailed coverage of operations, subsidiaries, and supply chain partners
• Due Diligence Procedures: Specific steps for supplier assessment and monitoring
• Risk Assessment: Methods for identifying and evaluating potential trafficking risks
• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential channels for raising concerns and whistleblower protection
• Training Requirements: Mandatory staff awareness and compliance training programs
• Enforcement Measures: Consequences for violations and remediation procedures
• Review Process: Annual policy evaluation and update requirements

While both policies address ethical business conduct, an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy in several key ways:

• Scope and Focus: Anti-slavery policies specifically target forced labor and trafficking risks in supply chains, while Compliance and Ethics policies cover broader ethical business practices and regulatory compliance
• Legal Framework: Anti-slavery policies align with specific EU anti-trafficking directives and Belgian criminal code provisions, whereas Compliance and Ethics policies address multiple regulatory areas
• Due Diligence Requirements: Anti-slavery policies mandate detailed supplier screening and risk assessments specifically for labor exploitation, while Compliance and Ethics policies focus on general business conduct standards
• Reporting Mechanisms: Anti-slavery policies require specialized reporting channels for trafficking concerns, compared to the broader whistleblowing procedures in Compliance policies