The Tea Sector Model Clauses (TMCs)
The Tea Sector Model Clauses (TMCs) are designed to help buyers, relevant intermediaries, and producers in the tea sector implement their commitment to responsible business conduct.
The Responsible Contracting Project (RCP) prepared the TMCs in conjunction with members of the ETP (formerly Ethical Tea Partnership) and with input from civil society partners. The clauses are aligned with the core principles of Responsible Contracting and 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 Framing Memo serves as an accompanying guide to and complements the implementation of the TMCs.
Alignment With Hard Law
The TMCs and the guidance in the Framing Memo 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.
Download the Tea Sector
Model Clauses (TMCs)
in Word format.
Download the Tea Sector
Model Clauses (TMCs)
in PDF format.
Download the Tea Sector
Model Clauses (TMCs)
Framing Memo.
March 25, 2026 — RCP is participating in “Contracts that Create Sustainable Outcomes: Advancing Responsible & Inclusive Contracting," a webinar organized by the WorldCC Foundation that explores how contracts can drive meaningful environmental, social, and human rights outcomes across supply chains. The discussion is moderated by Nikki Mackay of the WorldCC Foundation, and features RCP Director Sarah Dadush; Anne Ketola of Tampere University and the Jargonfree Project; and Becky Annison of The Chancery Lane Project.
In Collaboration with
