The purchasing practices human rights due diligence framework builds on the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices (CFRPP) and aligns with OECD due diligence.

It focuses on high-risk areas such as production planning, payment and contract terms, and costing — providing accountability bodies with a common basis to assess brands’ practices.

Developed with input from manufacturers, trade unions and accountability bodies, the PP–DD Framework is said to address power imbalances in supply chains and reduces fragmentation by creating a shared reference point across the industry.

The RPP Working Group says if it is widely adopted, it can help deliver more predictable production, secure wages and healthier working conditions.

What is the Purchasing Practices HRDD Framework?

The RPP Working Group explains 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. 

It adds: "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."

The framework is designed to be a recommendation to policymakers, regulators, multistakeholder initiatives, and investors. It aims to:

• Outline the key steps companies should take to make their purchasing practices more responsible through an HRDD approach
• Detail what is required of purchasing companies at each step to ensure this approach is meaningful. 

The RPP Working Group notes technical guidance will be developed in autumn 2025 to provide users with a deep dive into potential sources of evidence and progress markers.

The RPP Working Group says it wants to contribute to more transparency, comparability and accountability.