Since 2001, companies, trade associations, unions, NGOs and federal ministries in Germany have come together at so-called Round Table meetings at the initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development [Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ] to discuss codes of conduct and social standards.

These events allow for an exchange of experiences from a variety of perspectives and industries. The Round Table seeks to promote higher social standards in the developing countries. To that end, it encourages the introduction of voluntary codes of conduct for German companies that have production sites or suppliers in the developing world. Based on discussions held at a Round Table, recommendations are drawn up for the introduction, monitoring and verification of such corporate guidelines.