The Purchasing Practices HRDD Framework

Legislation and other accountability mechanisms play a key role in driving progress and creating a level playing field for responsible business. But for these mechanisms to work, there needs to be a clear, shared understanding of what companies should be held accountable for. 

While it’s widely accepted that companies must review their own purchasing practices as part of their human rights due diligence (HRDD), there needs to be a clear shared understanding of what this looks like in practice. That’s where the Purchasing Practices HRDD Framework comes in. 

Developed by the RPP Working Group, this framework is a recommendation to policymakers, regulators, multistakeholder initiatives, and investors. It: 

  • Outlines the key steps companies should take to make their purchasing practices more responsible through an HRDD approach. 

  • Details what is required of purchasing companies at each step to ensure this approach is meaningful. 

The Purchasing Practices HRDD Framework was developed in 2025 by the RPP Working Group. Technical guidance will be developed in the fall of 2025, providing users with a deep dive into potential sources of evidence and progress markers.

The PP-DD Framework can be used by key actors - regulators, policymakers, investors, MSIs and other third parties - seeking to hold brands accountable for their purchasing practices. The RPP Working Group aims to contribute to more transparency, comparability and accountability.

Resource Hub

The Resource Hub complements the Purchasing Practices HRDD Framework and the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices by offering practical ideas and tools to help you engage with stakeholders, assess risk, and make improvements. While the Common Framework and this hub offer practical ideas and flexibility to adapt actions to your context, the HRDD Framework focuses on the core requirements companies should be held accountable for.

Photo credits © Better Work and © Dominic ChavezWorld