Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Shift from Soft Law to Hard Law: CSR, HRDD, and the International Trend Toward Mandatory Corporate Responsibility

Canyu FuZhengzhou NO.101 High School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

CSR depended voluntary soft law in a long period, but the frequent damage of human rights and environmental issues made CSR transform to hard law of enforceability in the worldwide supply chains, leading the HRDD become a core tool. This study explores that this transformation how to rebuild the boundary of CSR. Taking the CSDDD as a core, this study will analyze its core requirements and taking the French "Duty of Vigilance Law" as a forward-looking case. Compared with it, America places extra emphasis on regulations of specific industries and did not establish a law of HRDD including all of industries, otherwise China guide CSR for enterprises through policies and did not establish any laws of HRDD. This study points out that transformation could bring some serious problems such as the increased cost of enterprises, the dim boundary of responsibility and potential trade barrier, provide some adapted suggestions such as integration between audit and CSDDD for Chinese enterprises exporting to Europe. The conclusion holds that the transformation from CSR to HRDD landmarks a canonical change from soft law to hard law in the management of worldwide enterprises.

Keywords: CSR; HRDD; Mandatory Corporate Responsibility.
Published: October 28, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT28579
Volume: CHR Vol.88
pp. 146-151
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