Imagine the scene: your company in Brazil has just closed its first major export contract. It's a moment of celebration, the result of months of hard work. But in the midst of the euphoria, a question comes from your international partner: "What is the diversity policy of advice of you?"
This question, which once seemed distant, is now a reality. For Brazilian companies with global projects and/or actionsunderstand the regulations of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is no longer a differentiator but a matter of survival in the global market.
In this article, you'll find examples of regulations around the world and their effects on Brazilian companies.
Why do global IED regulations impact Brazil?
Brazil is directly connected to the global economy. Brazilian companies that export or have supply chains with international partners need to be aware of the regulatory requirements of each region and to diversity risk management.
Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to loss of competitiveness, reputational damage and trade barriers. On the other hand, consistent DEI reporting strengthens the confidence of investors, clients and collaborators and influences the Diversity ROI.
IED regulations on different continents
The search for more representativeness in advice e executive leadership is an international trend. Many of the countries with which Brazil has trade relations have already implemented or are discussing regulations to increase the fairness of the labor market. genderrace, ethnicity, disabilityamong other dimensions, respecting local contexts.
- Latin America
There is still a way to go for DEI to be priority in many spheres in Latin America. There is a growing effort on the part of civil societymainly to implement guidelines and policies for diversity risk management.
Colombia: the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System helps to reduce mortality from occupational accidents.
Impact for Brazilian companies: a Brazilian technology organization with an office in Salvador decides to open a branch in Bogotá and has a robust action plan. At the start of the process, HR is faced with the system's guidelines and needs to adapt its processes and welfare policies to ensure Colombian compliance.
- Asia
In Asia, the diversity in leadership is increasingly guided by global demands and the need to reflect the social plurality.
Australia: o Regulatory Guide 247 (2019) directs listed companies to include, in their annual reports, data on the risks of sustainabilityincluding social and governance practices.
Impact for Brazilian companies: a Brazilian company supplying Australian retailers needs to be prepared to meet local ESG requirements, including DEI policies. Integrating diversity into the business strategy and reporting transparently can be the key to winning contracts and mitigating risks.
- North America
In the United States and Canada, the pressure for diversity comes from regulators, investors and stock exchanges, with a broad scope of protected groups.
Canada: the main reference is Environmental Reporting Guidancewhich directs companies to disclose information on environmental and social issues, as part of the "continuous disclosure" requirements.
Impact for Brazilian companies: imagine a Brazilian mining company seeking financing in Canada. Diversity in governance will be assessed alongside environmental and social aspects. Poorly structured practices in DEI can be seen as a governance risk, affecting access to capital and investor confidence.
- Europe
Europe leads the way in regulating diversity on boards, with a focus on gender and, more recently, other
social dimensions.
CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): In force since January 2023, it requires large listed companies and SMEs to publish detailed reports on sustainability practices, including diversity.
CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive): Since July 2024, it has required large companies to carry out due diligence on social and environmental impacts throughout the value chain, including DEI issues such as discrimination and working conditions.
Omnibus: In February 2025, the European Commission proposed the first package Omnibus of sustainability rules, with the aim of simplifying and reducing the European Union's sustainability reporting requirements. The package includes simplifications to sustainability due diligence, the EU Taxonomy, border carbon adjustments and investment programs.
Impact for Brazilian companies: Brazilian suppliers of European companies will be charged for data on diversity, inclusion and labor practices. Being prepared to present policies and results is essential for maintaining contracts and opening up new opportunities.
The role of HR in responding to regulations
For those working with HR, Sustainability or DiversityThe message is clear: keeping up with international regulations and understanding how they impact your company directly or indirectly is a strategic step.
Use this information to review internal policies and diversity risksThis way you can strengthen DEI programs, involve leaders and prepare your organization for current and future market demands.
Companies that anticipate regulatory requirements gain in reputation, competitiveness and impact. This all influences their Diversity ROI.
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