Sustainability Language · An EmpCo reference
Governance & Policy
French Duty of Vigilance Law
Definition
The Duty of Vigilance Law, Loi n° 2017-399 of 27 March 2017, requires large companies headquartered in France to establish, publish and effectively implement a vigilance plan identifying risks and preventing severe violations of human rights, fundamental freedoms, health, safety and the environment arising from their own activities, subsidiaries, subcontractors and suppliers, with civil liability for failures.
References
Legal text and vigilance plan requirements
Underlying due diligence framework
Overview
What it means
It was the first national law to attach civil liability to corporate supply-chain due diligence, and French courts have since heard landmark enforcement cases.
How it is used
Covered companies publish vigilance plans in management reports; NGOs and unions issue formal notices and bring civil actions; courts test plan adequacy.
Why it matters
It pioneered mandatory due diligence with liability and directly influenced the design of the CSDDD.
Review questions
What source or framework gives the term authority? What boundary or role is being described? What evidence would a reviewer need before relying on the term?