In a defining moment for the global automotive industry, six leading manufacturers — Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Stellantis, and Toyota — have issued a joint letter to their suppliers, signaling a new level of unity on one of the industry’s most critical topics: forced labor due diligence. Supported by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), this unprecedented collaboration marks a milestone in the journey toward a more transparent, ethical, and resilient supply chain.
What Does This Mean for Members and Prospective Members?
For decades, AIAG has served as the industry’s collaborative hub, where collective intelligence shapes best-in-class standards, streamlines compliance, and drives down complexity. Today, our commitment to responsible sourcing is taking a significant step forward. The OEM letter reinforces a harmonized approach to forced labor due diligence, anchored by the new Due Diligence Reporting Template (DDRT), access to trusted risk screening solutions, and a suite of comprehensive support resources.
Starting in September 2025, select suppliers will be required to report to OEMs through the DDRT, with a phased rollout extending to broader supplier participation by mid-2026. This unified process is designed to simplify compliance with evolving global regulations — minimizing duplicated requests, reducing administrative burdens, and providing clear, actionable guidance for all suppliers, regardless of size or tier.
Why Is This Unification So Significant?
- Clarity and Consistency: With a single, standardized reporting template and clear expectations from multiple OEMs, suppliers can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what’s required and when.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: Streamlined reporting reduces redundant data requests and audits, freeing up valuable resources so organizations can focus on continuous improvement and supply chain resilience.
- Empowerment Through Collaboration: By leveraging collective expertise and AIAG’s neutral platform, the industry is setting a new bar for transparency and corporate responsibility—strengthening trust across the value chain.
AIAG’s Role: Guiding the Journey, Empowering Every Member
AIAG’s mission is to unite and guide the automotive community—OEMs, suppliers, and service providers alike—in a neutral, non-competitive forum that delivers practical solutions to industry-wide challenges. Our support for the Forced Labor Due Diligence Program is a direct reflection of our core values: championing transparency, enabling cost-efficiency, and fostering cross-tier collaboration.
For our members, this initiative means more than regulatory alignment. It reflects AIAG’s ongoing promise to create a level playing field—where every organization, from global OEMs to Tier-3 suppliers, can access the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly complex compliance landscape.
Next Steps: Preparing for the Future — Together
The introduction of the DDRT and unified risk resources is just the beginning. AIAG will continue to provide training, implementation support, and a collaborative environment where your feedback shapes future best practices. As the industry moves toward the September 2025 launch and beyond, our commitment remains clear: to advance automotive excellence by making responsible sourcing practical, accessible, and effective for all.
Discover What This Means for You
Whether you are a current member or considering joining the AIAG community, now is the time to take advantage of our resources and stay ahead of regulatory change. Explore the tools, guidance, and collaborative opportunities that set the standard for responsible supply chains worldwide.
Visit our website to learn more about the Forced Labor Due Diligence Program, access FAQs, and begin preparing for the next chapter in supply chain excellence.
