Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG)

Unlock your career potential with our Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG) course! This comprehensive program offers essential insights into the legal and operational frameworks surrounding LkSG compliance, covering everything from risk management to corporate governance. Whether you're an industry professional looking to enhance your skills or someone new to the field, this course equips you with practical tools, expert knowledge, and the confidence to navigate the complexities of supply chain due diligence. Enroll today to build a solid foundation for your career in supply chain compliance and drive positive change in global business practices!

global supply chain and logistics network showing cargo ships, containers, and aircraft for Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG) training course

Global supply chains have never faced more scrutiny. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act — Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG) — represents a seismic shift in how companies must operate. For the first time in German legislative history, organisations are legally required to identify, prevent, and remedy human rights violations and environmental damage not just within their own operations, but across their entire supply chain — from raw material extraction to the delivery of the finished product.

Enacted in July 2021 and entering into force on 1 January 2023, LkSG initially applied to companies with 3,000 or more employees in Germany. Since January 2024, it extends to all companies with 1,000 or more employees operating in Germany. This means approximately 2,800+ companies are directly within scope — and tens of thousands of SMEs face indirect pressure as suppliers to these organisations.

Non-compliance is not an option. Violations carry fines of up to 2% of annual global turnover and exclusion from public procurement contracts for up to three years — reputational consequences that can be far more damaging than the fines themselves.

Beyond Germany, the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) signal a pan-European tightening of supply chain accountability. Professionals and organisations who master LkSG compliance today are positioning themselves at the leading edge of the global ESG regulatory landscape.

The Business Case for Proactive Compliance

  • Avoid fines of up to 2% of global annual turnover under LkSG

  • Protect your organisation from exclusion from public procurement tenders for up to three years

  • Mitigate reputational, legal, and operational supply chain risks before they escalate

  • Build investor confidence through robust ESG governance and transparent reporting

  • Gain competitive advantage by embedding ethical supply chain practices ahead of CSDDD deadlines

  • Strengthen supplier relationships and build a resilient, future-proof supply chain

Despite LkSG being in force since 2023, many organisations — particularly mid-sized companies, SMEs in supply chains, and compliance professionals — still struggle to translate the law's obligations into operational reality. Misunderstanding applicability thresholds, failing to establish appropriate grievance mechanisms, inadequate documentation, or missing the BAFA reporting window all expose organisations to significant risk.

This course bridges the gap between legal theory and practical implementation. Developed by compliance, legal, and supply chain specialists, it equips learners with end-to-end mastery of LkSG — from foundational legal concepts to advanced strategic integration with EU-level frameworks like the CSDDD and CSRD. Whether you are building a compliance programme from scratch or stress-testing an existing one, this course delivers actionable knowledge that translates directly into your day-to-day role.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG) course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the historical, regulatory, and international context of supply chain due diligence, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and OECD Guidelines
  • Define the full scope, applicability thresholds, and core legal obligations of the LkSG
  • Identify all protected legal interests under LkSG, including human rights and environmental standards derived from international conventions
  • Navigate BAFA's oversight and enforcement powers, including fine structures and public procurement exclusion mechanisms
  • Understand the interplay between LkSG and related German federal laws (OWiG, DCGK, HGB, BGB, StGB)
  • Design and implement a risk-based supplier due diligence framework, including risk analysis, prevention, and remediation measures
  • Establish compliant grievance mechanisms and manage remediation processes effectively
  • Produce BAFA-compliant documentation and annual reports that meet LkSG reporting requirements
  • Leverage digital tools and technology to automate, monitor, and scale LkSG compliance across the supply chain
  • Integrate LkSG compliance into broader corporate strategy, board-level governance, and ESG reporting frameworks
  • Align LkSG programmes with EU-level regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

Course Curriculum

5 Sections 20 Lectures 5 Hours
  • Überblick über Lieferketten-Sorgfaltspflichten
  • Historischer und internationaler Kontext (UN-Leitprinzipien, OECD-Leitsätze)
  • LkSG: Anwendungsbereich, Geltung und Schwellenwerte
  • Grundprinzipien der risikobasierten Compliance
  • Zentrale Sorgfaltspflichten nach dem LkSG
  • Geschützte Rechtsgüter (Menschenrechte und Umwelt)
  • Aufsicht durch das BAFA, Bußgelder und Ausschlüsse von öffentlichen Vergabeverfahren
  • Relevante Bundesgesetze (OWiG, DCGK, HGB, BGB, StGB)
  • Risikomanagement und Lieferanten-Sorgfaltsprüfung
  • Beschwerdemechanismen und Abhilfemaßnahmen
  • Dokumentation, Berichterstattung und Audit-Vorbereitung
  • Technologie und digitale Werkzeuge zur Compliance-Unterstützung
  • Verknüpfung der LkSG-Compliance mit der Unternehmensstrategie
  • Verantwortung der Geschäftsleitung und des Vorstands auf Führungsebene
  • Integration mit EU-Regulierungen (CSDDD, CSRD)
  • KPIs, Dashboards und ESG-Berichterstattung
  • Fallstudien: Deutsche KMU im Vergleich zu multinationalen Unternehmen
  • Branchenspezifische Compliance: Automobilindustrie, Lebensmittel, Chemie, Einzelhandel
  • Management geopolitischer, reputationsbezogener und ethischer Risiken
  • Abschluss-Simulation: Ganzheitliche LkSG-Compliance-Übung entlang der gesamten Lieferkette

Who is this course suitable for?

This Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG) course is designed for professionals across sectors who need practical, working knowledge of LkSG compliance. It is particularly valuable for:

  • Compliance Officers and LkSG/Human Rights Officers responsible for implementing and monitoring due diligence obligations
  • Legal Counsel and In-House Lawyers advising on LkSG obligations, contractual obligations to suppliers, and BAFA enforcement risk
  • Procurement and Supply Chain Managers who must operationalise supplier due diligence and manage supplier relationships under LkSG
  • Sustainability and ESG Managers aligning LkSG compliance with corporate sustainability reporting and ESG strategy
  • C-Suite Executives and Board Members seeking governance-level oversight of LkSG obligations and strategic integration
  • Risk and Audit Professionals conducting internal or external audits related to supply chain compliance
  • HR and Worker Rights Specialists working on labour standards, forced labour prevention, and grievance mechanisms
  • SME Owners and Managers whose businesses supply in-scope companies and face indirect LkSG compliance pressure
  • Consultants and Advisors providing LkSG compliance services to German and international clients
  • Public Sector Procurement Officers managing procurement exclusion obligations under LkSG
  • Students and Graduates in law, business, sustainability, and supply chain management seeking specialised professional credentials

Requirements

No prior LkSG knowledge is required. A basic understanding of procurement, compliance, sustainability, legal operations or supply-chain management will be helpful. Learners should be ready to work with policies, supplier scenarios, risk assessments and governance examples.

Career opportunities

LkSG expertise is in high demand as German companies, multinationals, and their global supply chains race to achieve compliance. Completion of this course opens doors to a wide range of high-value career opportunities:

  • LkSG Compliance Officer / Human Rights Officer — a newly mandated role within in-scope companies
  • Supply Chain Sustainability Manager — overseeing ESG risk across global supplier networks
  • Procurement Compliance Specialist — embedding LkSG due diligence into sourcing and supplier management processes
  • ESG Reporting & Strategy Analyst — aligning LkSG obligations with CSRD, CSDDD, and stakeholder reporting
  • Legal and Regulatory Affairs Manager — advising on LkSG enforcement risk, contractual obligations, and regulatory change
  • Risk & Audit Manager (Supply Chain) — conducting supplier audits, risk assessments, and BAFA audit preparation
  • Sustainability Consultant / LkSG Advisor — supporting German SMEs and multinationals in implementing compliant frameworks
  • Corporate Governance Specialist — integrating LkSG compliance into board-level governance and reporting
  • Supply Chain Technology Specialist — implementing digital compliance tools, ESG platforms, and supplier data systems
  • Academic and Training Roles — delivering LkSG training within organisations, chambers of commerce, or educational institutions

Further information on EU regulations: EU regulations

Certification information

Upon successful completion of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Compliance (LkSG) course, you will receive a certificate that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of supply chain compliance, human rights due diligence, risk management, ethical sourcing, and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG).

This certificate can help strengthen your CV, support career advancement, and showcase your expertise to employers in compliance, procurement, logistics, sustainability, legal, and supply chain management roles.

Certificate Image

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Was ist das deutsche Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG)? +

Das Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG) ist ein deutsches Gesetz, das Unternehmen verpflichtet, Menschenrechts- und Umweltrisiken innerhalb ihrer globalen Lieferketten zu identifizieren, zu verhindern und zu adressieren. Das Gesetz ist seit 2023 in Kraft. 

Weitere Informationen: hier

02 Welche Unternehmen müssen das LkSG einhalten? +

Das Gesetz gilt für Unternehmen mit mindestens 1.000 Beschäftigten in Deutschland, einschließlich:

  • deutscher Unternehmen
  • internationaler Unternehmen mit Niederlassungen oder Geschäftstätigkeiten in Deutschland.

Diese Unternehmen müssen umfassende Sorgfaltspflichtsysteme für ihre Lieferketten implementieren.

03 Welche Behörde überwacht die Einhaltung des LkSG? +

Die Einhaltung des Lieferkettengesetzes wird durch das Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA) überwacht.

Die Behörde kann:

  • Audits und Untersuchungen durchführen
  • Bußgelder verhängen
  • Unternehmen von öffentlichen Vergabeverfahren ausschließen

Offizielle BAFA-Informationen: hier

04 Behandelt der Kurs auch EU-Regulierungen zur Lieferkette? +

Ja. Der Kurs erklärt auch wichtige europäische Regulierungsvorhaben, darunter:

  • Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

Diese Vorschriften erweitern die Anforderungen an Unternehmens-Transparenz, ESG-Berichterstattung und verantwortungsvolle Lieferketten innerhalb der Europäischen Union.

05 Ist der Kurs auch für Anfänger geeignet? +

Ja. Der Kurs beginnt mit grundlegenden Konzepten der Lieferketten-Sorgfaltspflicht und regulatorischen Compliance und führt schrittweise zu fortgeschritteneren Themen wie:

  • Governance-Integration
  • Risikomanagement
  • operative Umsetzung von Compliance-Systemen
06 Wie unterstützt der Kurs die berufliche Entwicklung? +

Der Kurs vermittelt Fachwissen in Bereichen mit wachsender Nachfrage, darunter:

  • Supply-Chain-Compliance
  • ESG-Governance
  • Menschenrechts-Due-Diligence
  • nachhaltige Unternehmensführung

Diese Kompetenzen sind zunehmend gefragt, da Unternehmen in Deutschland und der EU ihre Lieferketten-Governance und regulatorische Compliance stärken.

07 Benötige ich juristische Vorkenntnisse für diesen Kurs? +

Nein. Für diesen Kurs sind keine juristischen Vorkenntnisse erforderlich.

Die relevanten deutschen Gesetze, regulatorischen Rahmenwerke und Compliance-Anforderungen werden strukturiert, verständlich und praxisnah erklärt, sodass Fachkräfte aus unterschiedlichen beruflichen Hintergründen teilnehmen können.

08 What is the LkSG and who does it apply to? +

The Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz (LkSG), or German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, is a German law that entered into force on 1 January 2023. It requires companies with a registered seat, principal place of business, or branch in Germany to identify, prevent, and remedy human rights and environmental risks throughout their global supply chains. Since January 2024, it applies to companies with 1,000 or more employees in Germany. Even companies below this threshold may face indirect compliance pressure as suppliers to in-scope organisations.

09 What are the core due diligence obligations under LkSG? +

Under LkSG, in-scope companies must: (1) issue a human rights policy statement, (2) appoint a human rights officer, (3) conduct annual and event-driven risk analyses of their own operations and direct suppliers, (4) implement preventive measures, (5) establish remediation procedures when violations are found, (6) set up an accessible grievance mechanism, and (7) document all activities and submit an annual report to BAFA within four months of the fiscal year end.

10 What are the penalties for non-compliance with LkSG? +

Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 2% of a company's annual global turnover for serious violations. For companies with revenue below EUR 400 million, fines of up to EUR 8 million may apply. Additionally, companies found to be in violation can be excluded from public procurement contracts in Germany for up to three years — a significant commercial consequence.

11 How does LkSG relate to the EU CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive)? +

LkSG is Germany's national supply chain due diligence law and currently the applicable legal framework. The EU CSDDD (also known as CS3D) will, once transposed into national law, replace or significantly amend LkSG. The German government has indicated its intention to repeal LkSG and implement CSDDD in a streamlined manner. In the interim, companies complying with LkSG are building the governance and processes they will need for CSDDD compliance. Key differences include CSDDD's broader scope, civil liability provisions, and a phased rollout beginning for the largest EU companies first.

12 Do SMEs need to comply with LkSG? +

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 1,000 employees are not directly subject to LkSG. However, SMEs that supply to in-scope companies frequently face indirect compliance requirements — large companies are required to conduct due diligence on their direct suppliers and may pass down contractual compliance obligations (e.g. supplier codes of conduct, questionnaires, and audits). This course specifically addresses the LkSG implications for SMEs as part of the supply chain.

13 Which authority oversees LkSG compliance in Germany? +

The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle — BAFA) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing LkSG. BAFA can conduct investigations, request documentation, issue fines, and report violations to the procurement exclusion register. As of late 2025, BAFA has adjusted its enforcement approach in light of the anticipated transition to the EU CSDDD, but continues to conduct risk-based oversight.

14 What human rights and environmental risks does LkSG cover? +

LkSG covers an exhaustive list of prohibited acts drawn from internationally recognised conventions. Human rights risks include child labour, forced or compulsory labour, slavery, denial of fair wages, failure to provide safe working conditions, and restrictions on the right to organise. Environmental risks covered include violations linked to the Minamata Convention (mercury), Stockholm Convention (persistent organic pollutants), and Basel Convention (hazardous waste), where such violations impair human health.

15 How should companies conduct a risk analysis under LkSG? +

A LkSG-compliant risk analysis should be conducted at least annually and whenever significant changes occur (e.g. new supplier, new market, geopolitical developments). Companies must assess their own operations and those of direct suppliers for potential human rights and environmental risks. The analysis should consider country risk, sector risk, product risk, and supplier-specific factors. BAFA has published detailed guidance on risk analysis methodology, which this course covers in full. Risk analyses should be documented and updated regularly.

16 What does a LkSG-compliant grievance mechanism look like? +

Under Section 8 LkSG, companies must establish a grievance mechanism that is accessible to all affected persons — including workers in the supply chain and local communities. The mechanism must be impartial, confidential (where possible), free of charge, and must not expose complainants to retaliation. It can be operated internally or delegated to a third-party provider. Companies must publish information about the mechanism and report on complaints received and actions taken in their annual LkSG report.

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