Attention!
Stricter chain liability regulations as of January 1!
Dear Reader,
Starting in January, stricter enforcement of chain liability laws will lead to an increase in financial and legal risks for companies collaborating with subcontractors or external parties. Are your processes prepared to handle this?
Chain Liability: What Is Changing?
Chain liability means that, as a main contractor, you are legally responsible for unpaid payroll taxes and VAT of your subcontractors. Starting in 2025, new regulations will be introduced to address issues such as lack of transparency and abuse within subcontracting chains. However, these regulations pose significant challenges.
Prohibition of “Financial Subcontracting”
Companies are no longer permitted to operate solely as intermediaries, passing on work without making a significant contribution themselves. However, the vague threshold (e.g., requiring only 1% of the work to be performed by the subcontractor) leads to misinterpretation and potential misuse.
Verification Obligations
Principal contractors are required to verify various documents, such as residence permits and work passes, even if these are not immediately available.
Liability Across the Entire Chain
While the primary responsibility remains limited to direct subcontractors, main contractors can be held liable for subsequent links in the chain if they could reasonably have been aware of any malpractice.
These rules are designed to foster responsibility but also entail risks, such as inconsistency in application and administrative overload. Without clear digital tools to streamline compliance, the burden falls entirely on contractors to develop their own solutions.
Why take action now?
Stricter enforcement of chain liability laws increases the risk of financial penalties for non-compliance, potentially leading to substantial fines. Beyond the financial repercussions, companies risk jeopardizing their future if non-compliance prevents them from securing new contracts. Furthermore, failure to adhere to regulations can harm a company’s reputation, undermining the trust of clients and stakeholders. By taking action now, your company can maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market.
How do you protect your company?
Centralize documentation
Ensure a clear and accessible overview of all subcontractor compliance documents.
Regularly verify compliance
Collaborate only with partners who can demonstrably meet legal and contractual obligations.
Automate Compliance Checks
Reduce errors by replacing manual processes with a digital system that tracks certifications and deadlines.
Challenges – A Growing Administrative Burden
Despite good intentions, the new regulations risk becoming a “bureaucratic nightmare.” Contractors are facing an increasing number of documentation requirements without effective digital support. For instance, a government-designed verification app is still under development, forcing contractors to manage compliance manually. This results in delays, inefficiencies, and costly errors. Furthermore, vague requirements, such as what “1% of the work” precisely entails, create room for inconsistencies in enforcement and legal disputes. Contractors must adopt robust systems to efficiently address these ambiguities.
How Onyx One Simplifies Compliance
Centralized Compliance Management
One secure system for all compliance documents.
Automatic Notifications
Stay ahead of deadlines for expiring certificates.
Real-time Insights
Monitor the compliance statuses within your contractor network instantly.
Contractor Care Service
Let us handle the verification process for you. With our Contractor Care Service, Onyx One ensures that all necessary compliance checks are conducted on your behalf, reducing your administrative burden and allowing you to focus on your core activities.
With over 15 years of experience in digital contractor management, Onyx One understands your challenges and provides solutions to ensure you remain both compliant and efficient.
Ready to secure your supply chain?
If you are looking for a way to simplify compliance and reduce risks, let’s have a conversation. Contact us for a no-obligation demo to discover how Onyx One can assist you.
“We highly recommend Onyx One without hesitation! Many of our preferred contractors were already using the system, which convinced us of its value. We are satisfied with the platform and the collaboration.”
“Onyx One significantly improved our contractor management. All documents and certificates are now tracked automatically. It is a user-friendly system and they have a strong service desk.”
Diana De Peuter Finance and IT Manager – Monument Chemical bv
“We have excellent safety training (e-Learning) for the contractors through Onyx One and the cooperation is running smoothly.”
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