The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises were adopted in 1976 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and contain recommendations for multinational companies issued by the signatory governments. They include principles and standards for good practices in accordance with prevailing law, and refer to such international agreements as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ILO Core Labor Standards. The guidelines were revised in 2000 with the participation of company and employee organizations as well as NGOs. While OECD member states expect companies to adhere to these guidelines, they are not legally binding. The guidelines are intended to promote the concept of sustainable development as well as to create incentives for increasing direct investments in developing countries. They also support multinational enterprises in their role as partners in development.
The signatory states agree to establish national contact points to monitor the implementation of the guidelines and respond to complaints.
 
These recommendations are based on ten principles:

1. Disclosing information, including non-financial information, about the company
2. Pursuing a corporate policy of providing comprehensive information, not only about the company’s operating results, but also about social and environmental issues as well as foreseeable risks
3. Adhering to internationally recognized core labor standards in the treatment of employees, as well as constructive cooperation between the company and employee organizations
4. Implementing efficient in-company environmental management and transparent reporting on environmental issues, as well as adhering to the precautionary principle  
5. Combating corruption
6. Taking into account consumers’ interests by employing fair business, marketing and advertising practices and ensuring the safety and quality of products and services
7. Encouraging the transfer of technology and expertise (while respecting intellectual property rights)
8. Complying with laws governing competition and generally engaging in fair, monopoly-free competition
9. Complying with the tax laws and regulations in effect in the countries in which companies are active, as well as cooperating with tax authorities
10. Government establishment of national contact points