Learn the difference between the CSDDD and CSRD, and how should you focus your efforts moving forward.

What is the difference between the CSDDD and CSRD, and how should you focus your efforts?

The EU’s recent Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are closely linked, with both pieces of legislation working together to reinforce each other. But what is the difference between the two pieces of legislation?

In a nutshell:

The CSDDD focuses on mandatory Human Rights and Environmental supply chain due diligence for companies. The Directive requires setting up Due Diligence processes in order to identify adverse impacts. This includes:

Establish a due diligence policy

Assess, identify, and evaluate risks, and implement mitigation strategies

Create and outline mitigation and prevention action plans

Set up grievance mechanisms for addressing human rights and environmental concerns related to company operations

Vs.

The CSRD covers the reporting phase of the CSDDD in accordance with EU sustainability reporting standards for companies that are within scope of both pieces of legislation. This includes:

Implement detailed non-financial reporting procedures

Comply with mandatory EU sustainability reporting standards

Where should you put your focus now?

To ensure compliance with reporting obligations, many companies are motivated to establish Human Rights Due Diligence and Environmental business practices as their initial step, enabling them to effectively report their activities.

To effectively prepare, concentrating on the CSDDD can result in greater returns on supply chain sustainability investments, offering long-term benefits and simultaneously addressing the urgent requirement for public transparency and visibility. For most companies, the major work will be in establishing the Human Rights Due Diligence and Environmental business practices so that you have a process in place that allows your company to best understand these issues. This work involves assessing suppliers, identifying risk, and creating a framework that allows for the adoption of policies, adherence to procedures, and implementation of improvements.

Sphera provides solutions that companies can start to use straight away as a means of identifying and mitigating risk. Reporting will follow, but the activity needs to be started in an authentic, systematized, and automated manner that minimizes supplier data error and drives supplier engagement.

 

SupplyShift was acquired by Sphera in January 2024. This content originally appeared on the SupplyShift website and was slightly modified for sphera.com.

Latest insights from Sphera

Recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant for Enterprise Carbon Management Software

Recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant for Enterprise Carbon Management Software

Sphera Sustainability Consulting received high marks for completeness of vision and strategy, substantiated by capabilities in corporate, product…
March 11, 2026
Supply Chain Risk Report 2026: CPG Industry Guide

Supply Chain Risk Report 2026: CPG Industry Guide

Master CPG supply chain resilience with Sphera’s 2026 Risk Guide. Bridge the confidence paradox, improve upstream visibility, and…
March 10, 2026
Turning safety data into action: How AI and digital platforms are advancing modern EHS programs

Turning safety data into action: How AI and digital platforms are advancing modern EHS programs

Discover new insights from Sphera’s 2026 HSM survey on digital maturity, AI adoption, and the data gaps hindering…
February 23, 2026