Forced Labor Due Diligence Program FAQS

The purpose of the Program is to enable suppliers of all sizes and maturity in their due-diligence processes to conduct risk screening for potential connections to forced labor in their supply base. The Program helps to identify and mitigate risks of supply-chain disruption and supports responsible sourcing. It provides affordable access to technology solutions and an aligned reporting tool to provide findings to customers.

AIAG is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the improvement of the global automotive supply chain. As the collective voice of OEMs and suppliers, our sole purpose is to provide neutral forums, best practices, standardized tools and training to address common industry challenges. AIAG maintains strict independence from all political parties and does not engage in any political advocacy. Furthermore, as a mission-driven association, AIAG has no ownership stake in the businesses of technology and service providers. Our work is exclusively focused on fostering collaboration for the betterment of the global automotive industry.

There are three major components to the AIAG Forced Labor Due Diligence Program:

• Vetted Technology Solutions: Trusted providers for cost-effective compliance tools.
• Standardized Reporting: Use of the common Due Diligence Reporting Template (DDRT) accepted by customers and coordinated by Tier 1 suppliers.
• Training and Resources: Access to training, legal insights, and webinars to stay informed on compliance standards.

Suppliers can begin by visiting the AIAG Forced Labor Due Diligence landing page select a vetted provider from the program list, familiarize themselves with the DDRT, and utilize the training resources offered by AIAG.

OEMs started requiring selected suppliers to submit a DDRT v2 in September 2025. By mid-2026, participating OEMs are expected to expand the list of suppliers required to report findings with the Due Diligence Reporting Template (DDRT) available here.

OEMs required selected suppliers to submit a DDRT v2 in September 2025. The OEMs have also aligned on an annual cadence for reporting starting in 2026, similar to Conflict Minerals reporting. In addition, suppliers are required to conduct additional risk screening when new companies are added to Restricted Party List' and publications citing potential connections to forced labor. If any new potential connections are identified throughout the year, suppliers must communicate to affected customers immediately.

This program is open to any OEM globally that is a member of AIAG and would like to participate.

If a supplier is customer-directed, the purchasing company may still need to perform the DDRT to ensure compliance and due diligence. This helps maintain accountability and transparency throughout the supply chain.

The DDRT enables a consistent approach for communicating risks related to potential forced labor across all tiers of the supply chain. It allows Tier 1 suppliers to consolidate and share relevant data directly with customers to reduce duplicated efforts, streamline responses, and help customers address risks more efficiently.

While Tier 1 suppliers take the lead in communication with OEMs, sub-tier suppliers are expected to provide relevant information to their direct customers, if requested, as part of the due-diligence process. This collaborative approach helps build a clearer picture of potential risks throughout the entire supply chain.

If a forced-labor risk is identified, suppliers should report this information immediately to their impacted customers via email to both their buyer and the due-diligence team listed on the Instructions tab in the DDRT. Once the risk is identified, please work with your customers to conduct further due diligence to make a final determination and corrective action plan (if needed).

All participating technology providers adhere to strict data-privacy standards, ensuring that sensitive information related to supply-chain risks is managed securely and in compliance with applicable laws. Suppliers can feel confident that their data is protected throughout the reporting process.

No. If you have received a request from one of your customers, continue to work with them to answer their request for information. The Forced Labor Due Diligence Program is intended to provide access to due-diligence tools and an aligned reporting process.

The DDRT gives suppliers the opportunity to provide the number of parts that are potentially impacted, but additional information is not required at this phase of the investigation.

Customers will accept updated DDRTs at any time during the reporting year to reflect mitigation efforts in the sub-tiers.

The primary focus is on Tier 1 suppliers. Sub-tier suppliers may be included only if they are verified as part of the Tier 1 supplier’s supply chain.

Tier 1 suppliers are encouraged to include only verified tiered suppliers in their DDRT submission.

Yes. All suppliers must complete DDRTs as requested by their customer. Supply-chain risks are not dependent on the location of a manufacturer.

For OEM requests, submit completed DDRT forms to the OEM Due Diligence email addresses listed in the DDRT Form. If an FLDD program tech provider has been contracted, follow their instructions for electronic submission. For Tier 1 customer requests, contact the customer directly for submission guidance.

No. Use of an FLDD program tech provider is optional. Should a supplier seek 3rd Party resources, there are many options to assist with gaining supply chain visibility and assess a range of risk factors. However, FLDD program tech provider are the only providers authorized to embed the DDRT into their platforms and electronically generate the AIAG FLDD Program DDRT. These providers have been vetted by industry as a possible resource for companies.

The platform providers enable suppliers to provide a customer-specific response to ensure that the information submitted is particular to that customer supply base, providing an additional layer of supply-chain privacy for suppliers.

Technology provider pricing is based on factors such as annual company revenue, desired functionality, and selected program features. Once eligibility has been determined, organizations will be introduced to participating technology providers and can explore available solutions through the AIAG FLDD Provider Marketplace.

The AIAG FLDD Program includes industry-vetted technology providers that offer functionality to automate DDRT Excel worksheet data, helping organizations manage large volumes of worksheets more efficiently. These platforms can streamline data entry, storage, and analysis, making it easier to collect, organize, and evaluate due diligence information.

The DDRT template is publicly available; however, only the AIAG FLDD Program's three technology providers offer approved solutions that embed the DDRT and support mapped submissions to participating OEMs. These platforms streamline data collection, management, and reporting while helping organizations efficiently exchange due diligence information through the AIAG FLDD Program.

Suppliers can contact the AIAG team via email (stopforcedlabor@aiag.org) for questions about selecting providers, reporting, or utilizing program resources.

AIAG provides comprehensive support through webinars, expert-led training sessions, and legal insights on forced-labor risk. Suppliers can also access guidance on compliance tools and industry best practices, making it easier to stay informed and be proactive about identifying potential risks. Links to all of these resources are located on the AIAG website.

OEMs WILL NOT require their Tier 1 suppliers to hire specific tech providers to ensure consistency and accuracy in the DDRT analysis and template completion.

RBA-VAP audits may provide helpful insight into upstream supplier compliance and due diligence practices, and relevant findings may be included in the DDRT Form for submission. However, RBA VAP audits do not replace a DDRT submission, and audit results alone may not satisfy the compliance requirements of global import authorities.

The primary focus of the DDRT is on Tier 1 suppliers. Tier 1 suppliers should complete the DDRT using information available within their operations and, where applicable, verified information from their own supply chain. The DDRT collects information related to supplier due diligence activities, including company information, policies, governance, due diligence processes, and other information that supports due diligence reporting.

The DDRT template is available now, and it was designed to accommodate new regulations by being flexible and adaptable. This will allow suppliers to update their data and processes as new requirements emerge.

Suppliers can identify issues and risks in scope for the DDRT by reviewing the template guidelines and consulting with OEMs. This will help them understand the specific areas of focus and ensure they address all relevant concerns.

Confidentiality issues with sub-suppliers can be addressed by implementing secure data-sharing protocols and agreements. OEMs and suppliers can work together to ensure sensitive information is protected while maintaining transparency.

S Suppliers can begin by using the free, Excel-based DDRT, which is designed to be accessible to organizations of all sizes. They can also leverage AIAG's Forced Labor Due Diligence Learning Pathways to build internal knowledge, establish due diligence processes, and better understand reporting expectations before investing in technology solutions. As their due diligence programs mature, suppliers can evaluate industry-vetted technology providers to further automate data collection, management, and reporting.

Suppliers can determine if they are within the scope of the DDRT by reviewing the template guidelines and consulting with OEMs. This will help them understand the specific requirements and ensure they comply with due-diligence standards.