In the implementation of supply chain due diligence regulations, the role of business associations, particularly those representing export-oriented manufacturing and service sectors, primarily lies in supporting the enhancement of awareness and capacity among enterprises that are currently or potentially part of supply chains serving the European market.

From a solutions perspective, relevant business associations may consider the following measures:

- First, associations should proactively develop their institutional capacity on supply chain due diligence in general and on European regulations in particular (through staff training or self-directed learning).
This is essential for equipping the association with the technical knowledge and competencies needed to orient, facilitate, manage, or directly participate in activities aimed at assisting enterprises in this area.

- Second, associations may integrate supply chain due diligence–related support activities into their regular operational plans, thereby establishing continuous support channels for member enterprises.

Recommended activities include:

+ Creating a dedicated information section on the association’s website, regularly updated with developments related to supply chain due diligence. This provides a fast, low-cost, and accessible channel for disseminating information to all stakeholders.

+ Establishing a hotline, either standalone or integrated into the association’s general hotline system, to receive inquiries and provide consultation or guidance to members on relevant issues.

+ When resources permit, organizing seminars, training workshops, and knowledge-sharing events on supply chain due diligence and related matters such as labour rights implementation and environmental protection within enterprises.

- Third, depending on available resources (sector-specific risks, and contextual conditions), associations may independently or in cooperation with specialized organizations provide targeted support to groups of member enterprises. This may include in-depth consultancy, tailored guidance, or coordinated engagement among relevant enterprises during specific due diligence–related processes.

From a technical standpoint, given the complexity of supply chain due diligence regulations, and the fact that suppliers are not the direct subjects of these regulations, information and awareness-raising materials developed by associations should take into account the following considerations:

- Content should be curated and tailored to the primary target audience: enterprises as suppliers in Viet Nam, using accessible language and appropriate explanations.

- Information should remain objective, neither overstating nor understating the potential implications of the regulations for enterprises.

- When enterprises face a specific situation such as emerging risks, allegations concerning violations of particular labour rights, or direct requests for action from European partners, associations should provide context-specific, in-depth analysis aligned with the situation at hand.

Source: Compiled by the TTWTO-VCCI Research Group

• Scope of Vietnamese suppliers potentially affected from the supply chain due diligence requirements of European markets
• Responsibility to comply with human rights and environmental standards of Vietnamese suppliers in the supply chain due diligence process
• Responsibility to implement certain measures of Vietnamese suppliers in the supply chain due diligence process
• Supply chain due diligence and textile and footwear supply chains in EU
• Actors in textile, garment and footwear supply chains potentially affected by due diligence requirements