The SMCs 1.0 are a set of sector-specific model clauses that aim to improve human rights in supply chains for apparel and textiles. Like all the tools in the RCP Toolkit, the  SMCs are aligned with the UNGPs  and OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct (OECD Guidance). The SMCs are drafted specifically with apparel suppliers in mind and contain a number of obligations related to responsible purchasing practices, including, for example, for buyers to set reasonable deadlines, negotiate reasonable payment terms, pay prices high enough to cover the costs of responsible business conduct, and to exit contracts responsibly, even in the event of an unforeseen crisis like a pandemic (or tariffs). 

​

The SMCs 1.0 were released in September 2023. We refer to them as version 1.0 to acknowledge that these clauses are an iterative product that is neither perfect nor complete. It is possible that, based on future feedback, a version 2.0 will be developed.
 

Background
 

RCP drafted the SMCs 1.0 in collaboration with the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI), a consortium of apparel and textile suppliers and manufacturing associations that aims to drive better purchasing practices. The clauses were developed in response to a request from STTI members for model clauses that they could bring into negotiations with their buyer-clients. The initiative benefits from generous support from the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) and FABRIC (Promotion of a Sustainable Textile and Clothing Industry in Asia). IGS and FABRIC are working on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and are implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
 

The SMCs were made possible with tremendous pro bono counsel provided by Linklaters LLP. 

​