Rules of Governance and Operations

 

The Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) was established on 1st April 2013 by the following European associations representing the food and drink industry (FoodDrinkEurope), branded goods manufacturers (AIM), the retail sector (EuroCommerce, ERRT, Independent Retail Europe, Euro Coop), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEunited - formerly UEAPME), and agricultural traders (CELCAA). 

The SCI is a voluntary scheme developed in the context of the European Commission-led High-Level Forum on a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain. Its purpose is to promote good practice in the food supply chain as a basis for fair commercial dealings. It is based on commonly agreed Principles of Good Practice, which companies commit to integrate in their day-to-day operations; a set of process commitments to support their application, dispute resolution options, and the promotion of stakeholder dialogue both at EU and national level. 

The SCI complements EU and national rules and regulations and other voluntary schemes. It was developed on the basis of four criteria set by Commissioner Barnier in 2013 for establishing a voluntary mechanism: efficiency, cost-effectiveness, effective control and transparency. Its performance is assessed against these criteria. 

These Rules of Governance and Operations provide a framework for the management of the SCI. 

The latest version of the SCI Rules of Governance and Operations, which have been adopted by the Governance Group on 2 February 2018 in English, are now available in an additional 22 EU languages. The translations have kindly been carried-out by the European Commission as a result of a High Level Forum meeting. 

Note: in case of doubt, the English version takes precedence. 

For any questions on the Principles of Good Practice or past activities of the SCI, please contact the organisations.