Albuquerque clarifies Omnibus I value chain cap does not restrict due diligence information requests

Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque has sought to reassure companies that the new 'value chain cap' introduced by the Omnibus I simplification package does not prevent them from requesting sustainability information from suppliers for due diligence purposes, in a written answer published on 17 June 2026. The clarification aims to address concerns that the cap could chill information sharing and hinder human rights due diligence under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

The answer responds to a parliamentary question from Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), who warned that the cap might force companies to rely excessively on lawyers and discourage meaningful dialogue with business partners. Albuquerque confirmed that the Omnibus I Directive prohibits companies from requiring value chain partners with 1,000 employees or less to provide sustainability information beyond the voluntary standard for reporting purposes only. However, she stressed that the legal text explicitly states the cap does not affect information requests for other purposes, including due diligence. Companies may also request information beyond the voluntary standard for reporting if they clearly indicate which requests go beyond. The Commissioner added that information collected from value chain partners can be included in public reporting, and that the Commission will consider further clarifications on CSRD provisions based on stakeholder demand and practical experience. Guidelines for CSDDD, including on identification processes, will be issued.

The answer provides concrete legal certainty on three key points: there are no strict limits on due diligence information requests; information gathered through due diligence can be reported later; and contracting for additional information beyond the voluntary standard is permitted. This policy orientation favours business flexibility and legal clarity over regulatory simplification, potentially reducing compliance costs for large companies while protecting small suppliers from excessive reporting burdens. The Commission's commitment to issue CSDDD guidelines signals further institutional follow-up, though no timeline was given. Stakeholders most impacted include large EU companies subject to CSRD and CSDDD, small suppliers in value chains, legal advisors, and EU regulatory bodies overseeing implementation.