OECD Guidelines

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are government‑backed recommendations for multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. 

Areas of responsibility 

The OECD Guidelines are internationally agreed responsible business conduct standards that governments expect multinational enterprises to comply with.

The standards cover all areas of business activity including:  

  • disclosure 
  • human rights 
  • employment 
  • industrial relations 
  • environment 
  • anti‑corruption 
  • competition 
  • taxation. 

Australia and the OECD Guidelines

The Australian Government is committed to promoting and implementing the responsible business conduct standards under the OECD Guidelines.

Through business cooperation and support, the OECD Guidelines can positively influence business conduct and ultimately, economic, environmental and social progress.

Multinational businesses operating in Australia and Australian companies operating overseas are expected to act in accordance with the responsible business conduct standards under the OECD Guidelines.

The OECD Guidelines supplement Australian law and are not legally binding.

Resources and tools

Responsible business conduct video

Watch the OECD's video for an overview of responsible business conduct.