In its discussion with the EU on impending legislation, the BDSI is calling for a regulation based on practical conditions that can also be implemented for the predominantly medium-sized German confectionery industry.
It says the scope of the EU Supply Chain Act may only extend to its own suppliers, and not to the suppliers' suppliers.
Certifications
Small and medium-sized companies, which have no direct influence on the entire supply chain, depend on their suppliers and trustworthy certifications. According to the BDSI, the German law offers a suitable template for a uniform European regulation with which the same framework conditions are to be created for all companies in the EU.
“The German confectionery industry processes several hundred raw materials from around 150 countries. A European supply chain law must be clearly defined and proportionate and it must not result in companies having to withdraw completely from a large number of countries of origin in order to be legally on the safe side,” said Dr Carsten Bernoth, General Manager of the BDSI.
"Instead, companies should be encouraged to find solutions to problems in the supply chain together with suppliers, agricultural cooperatives or within the industry."
Responsible design of supply and value chains and sustainability are important issues for the German confectionery industry, and the BDSI says German manufacturers of confectionery, branded ice cream and snack items are committed to supply chain transparency and play a leading role worldwide.
BDSI manufacturers already use 77% cocoa and over 90% palm oil, which are certified according to sustainability standards.