Interview in Deutscher Anwaltspiegel:"What does the Supply Chain Act mean for SMEs?"

In an interview with Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel, Dr Arnt Glienke, LL.M., explains that the EU Supply Chain Directive in particular also places small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under obligation, as they are considered to be direct suppliers to larger companies.

EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE:

„Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel:
Mr Glienke, if both the EU Supply Chain Directive and the LkSG explicitly address companies with at least 1,000 employees, why do you also see SMEs as being significantly affected?

Dr. Glienke:
The EU Supply Chain Directive in particular makes larger companies responsible not only for the risk assessment of direct suppliers, but also indirect suppliers. This means that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can come into contact with the requirements of the law more quickly than they would like. As soon as an SME provides services or supplies products to another company that is itself subject to the obligations of the Supply Chain Act, it is considered a direct supplier of the obligated company within the meaning of the Supply Chain Actand will have to undergo a risk assessment of the supplied company.’