The Tea Sector Model Clauses (TMCs)
The Tea Sector Model Clauses (TMCs) are designed to help tea companies and producers implement their commitment to responsible business conduct. They are aligned with the core principles of Responsible Contracting.
RCP prepared the TMCs in collaboration with members of the ETP (formerly Ethical Tea Partnership) and with input from civil society partners. The clauses are intended to provide guiding principles to ETP members and other actors operating across the tea sector, in particular, the growing number of tea enterprises that seek to distinguish themselves as responsible actors.
The TMCs and the Framing Memo, an accompanying guide that complements the implementation of the TMCs, will also help buyers, suppliers, and their partners align with evolving legal standards on human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD). While companies cannot expect to meet the requirements of new regulations, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), by adding clauses to their contracts alone, responsible contracts are a critical component of an effective due diligence process.
Upcoming Events
Mar. 25, 2026 — RCP Director Sarah Dadush will participate in a WorldCC Foundation-hosted webinar “Contracts that Create Sustainable Outcomes: Advancing Responsible & Inclusive Contracting." The discussion is moderated by the WorldCC Foundation's Nikki Mackay and also features Anne Ketola (Tampere University; Jargonfree Project) and Becky Annison (The Chancery Lane Project). View details.
In Collaboration with
