Skip to content

Business Field Sustainability

TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence Assessment

How well is your company prepared to meet its due diligence obligations? The TN Check in-house standard evaluates companies’ current level of maturity in managing human rights and environmental risks along the supply chain. This objective assessment is conducted by TÜV NORD.

Just 1 minute to fill out the contact form for TN Check
Eine Person prüft Dokumente zu der Einhaltung von Sorgfaltspflichten in Ihrer Lieferkette.

Why Supply Chain Due Diligence ss becoming more important

The requirements placed on companies to act responsibly throughout the supply chain have become significantly stricter in recent years. At European and national level, new legal frameworks are increasingly obliging companies to systematically identify and assess human rights and environmental risks, and to implement appropriate measures for prevention and remediation.

Key driving regulations include, in particular,

  • the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
  • the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
  • the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
  • the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
  • the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

These regulations not only increase legal requirements but also raise the expectations of business partners, investors and the public regarding transparency, governance and risk management.

What is assessed during the TN Check?

As part of the TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence, the key elements of an effective due diligence system along the supply chain are assessed. The scope of the assessment is based on recognised regulatory requirements and best practice principles for implementing corporate due diligence obligations.

The assessment is structured and risk-based, taking into account both strategic and operational aspects. In particular, the focus is on the following areas:

  • Governance and responsibilities
  • Risk analysis and risk management
  • Preventive and remedial measures
  • Complaints mechanisms
  • Communication and transparency
     

The specific scope of the audit is determined during the engagement discussion and can be tailored to sector-specific risks, company size and regulatory priorities. The outcome of the audit is a detailed report setting out strengths and weaknesses.

Who is this service intended for?

The TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence is aimed at companies that wish to systematically assess and further develop their corporate due diligence obligations throughout the supply chain. The assessment is particularly relevant for organisations that are subject to legal requirements or need to prepare for them, but also for companies that wish to introduce transparency and structure into their due diligence processes on a voluntary basis.

The service is particularly suitable for:

  • Companies with regulatory obligations, e.g. under the CSDDD, the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), the EU Battery Regulation, the CSRD or the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
  • Companies with complex or international supply chains where human rights or environmental risks cannot be ruled out
  • Sustainability, compliance, risk and procurement departments requiring an independent assessment of existing processes
  • Companies with no immediate legal obligation that wish to have their due diligence structures reviewed on a voluntary basis and prepare strategically for future requirements

Your Benefits with the TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence

The TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence provides companies with a sound and practical basis for the targeted development of their corporate due diligence obligations. Through this independent assessment, organisations not only gain transparency regarding their current status, but also concrete starting points for improvement.

Your benefits at a glance:

  • Transparent assessment and documentation of the status quo
    Clear assessment of the current maturity level of your due diligence management system, along with a detailed report for your communications
  • A structured and traceable assessment approach
    A standardised set of criteria as a reliable basis for assessment
  • Support with regulatory requirements
    Suitable for preparing for legal requirements such as the CSDDD, LkSG or the EU Battery Regulation
  • A basis for further development and follow-ups
    Optional continuation to review measures and ensure continuous improvement

How does the TN Check – Supply Chain Due Diligence work?

1

Quotation & Contracting

Once we have received your enquiry, we will work with you to clarify your basic requirements, the desired focus and the scope of the assessment, and will draw up a bespoke quote based on this. You also have the option of completing our self-assessment questionnaire in advance.

2

Kick-off meeting

At a joint kick-off meeting, we define the objectives, scope, relevant regulations, the timetable and the audit team required. In doing so, we take into account company- and sector-specific characteristics.

3

Submission and examination of documents

Next, please provide us with all relevant documents for the assessment, e.g. guidelines, risk analyses, process descriptions or reports. These will be analysed in advance and will form the basis for the on-site assessment.

4

On-site assessment

As part of the risk-based assessment, our auditors examine how corporate due diligence obligations are being implemented. This includes, amongst other things, interviews with relevant managers, process evaluations, complaints mechanisms and existing preventive measures.

5

Analysis & Reporting

Based on the results of the assessment, we will draw up a detailed report for you. This report summarises the assessment for each area and highlights your company’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Frequently asked questions

Risk analysis is key: the assessment relies heavily on how systematically risks are identified, prioritised and managed.

No. The TN Check does not replace any statutory obligations, notifications or official inspections. It serves as a supplementary, independent assessment and guide.

The following documents, amongst others, are required for the TN Check

  • Guidelines
  • Risk analyses
  • Reports
  • Organisational charts
  • Process descriptions

The duration of the audit process may vary depending on the scope of the audit. A key factor in this is, amongst other things, that the documents required for the audit are available in full by the start of the audit. Typically, an audit takes around 8 weeks and includes preparation and audit planning, the on-site audit and the preparation of the report.

With the TN Check, you will receive a detailed report containing an assessment for each subject area, as well as clear recommendations for action. You can use these for internal improvements, management decisions and to prepare for regulatory requirements. They can also be used for communication with your stakeholders.

The TN Check is a voluntary service. However, it can be used specifically to prepare for statutory requirements or to assess internal management systems.

Unlike certification, the TN Check is an assessment of the management system that does not result in a certificate. The focus is on analysis and optimization, not on formal confirmation.

Expert, international, independent

TÜV NORD CERT GmbH

TÜV NORD is an internationally recognised testing and certification service provider. We assess and certify compliance with statutory requirements and voluntary standards worldwide. Our inspectors are experts in their respective fields and work according to a standardised methodology. This enables us to guarantee you neutrality, independence and ongoing support.