UK Knowledge Collection | Corporate sustainability, supply chains, and the UK sanctions regime

An agreement reached by the Council of the EU on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive means that the European Parliament will get to vote on it next month, ahead of its elections. Companies both within and outside of the EU should consider whether they will fall into the directive's (now narrower) scope.

The directive is only one of many measures being taken in a variety of jurisdictions to increase scrutiny on corporate sustainability and ESG matters. Our webinar series on supply chains, beginning in April, will take a further look at a range of issues for businesses including how to digitalise supply chains and remain compliant, and how to prepare for new environmental and human rights obligations.

The European Parliament has adopted its negotiating position on the European Commission's proposal for a less stringent approach to the regulation of plants produced by new genomic techniques, which has included a surprising proposal to ban patents for them. This would not be straightforward, and there are likely to be prolonged negotiations on the issue. Our Insight considers the implications.

In the two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK sanctions regime has undergone many changes, including the creation of a new body to enforce trade sanctions. Our sanctions experts review the developments and common questions that have arisen for businesses.

Recent Insights

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive gets through vote from Council of the EU

After extensive negotiations, the Council of the European Union was able to agree on a watered-down version of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. 
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What would Labour do? Which tax proposals remain 'on the table' after the Budget?

The Labour Party set out a range of tax policy pledges in February, highlighting those it would maintain while leaving others "on the table". However, with the chancellor's Spring Budget adopting two of them, it may look to make other reforms. 
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Government publishes second consultation on electricity market arrangements in Great Britain

In a significant development, the government has published its second consultation on the review of electricity market arrangements, which is open until 7 May. 
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What are the patentability implications of deregulating gene editing in plants in the EU?

The European Parliament has voted to embrace more flexibility in the regulation of gene-edited plants. In doing so, it has controversially proposed a ban on patents. 
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UK sanctions against Russia two years on – how have things changed?

A look at how the UK sanctions regime has developed, its impact on businesses and the approach the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation is taking. 
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Upcoming Events

Regulatory investigations: could your product end up under the regulator's microscope?

26 March | 09:30-10:00

An increased focus on patient safety, a greater abundance of patient data and a shifting regulatory landscape in the EU and UK have all combined to raise the prospect of investigations into the safety performance of life sciences products. 
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Digitalising your supply chain – avoid the pitfalls

16 April | 10:00-10:30

Increasing numbers of businesses are looking to make better, data-driven decisions by digitalising their supply chains. Using a practical case study, we will look at how to identify and mitigate against the risks. 
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How to implement a transparent, sustainable supply chain

18 April | 10:00-10:30

A webinar on the legal and reporting obligations for businesses, and the practical steps that can be taken to evaluate exposure, reduce risk and achieve compliance.
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Dipping into Data | Cybersecurity: navigating the developing legal landscape

24 April | 16:00-16:30

Cybersecurity obligations are evolving, becoming increasingly targeted at specific sectors and threats. The session provides an overview of new and upcoming legislation and how companies should approach cybersecurity. 
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Consumer Credit Academy: CCA reform

25 April | 09:30-10:30

The webinar series concludes with consideration of future reform of the Consumer Credit Act.
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