In an increasingly standardized and transparent world, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) documents occupy a central place in corporate strategy. These documents, required in many contexts, often need to be translated in an international or cross-border context. But be careful: this is not a simple literal translation. When it comes to corporate law, every word counts.
Why translate your CSR documents with rigor?
CSR documents formalize your company's social, environmental, and governance commitments. They can take several forms: annual CSR reports, carbon audits, ethical charters, non-financial performance statements (NFPS), codes of conduct, etc.
In an international context, these documents are often required:
- during merger and acquisition transactions involving several jurisdictions,
- in the context of compliance with the requirements of foreign markets,
- or in contentious proceedings (for example: in the event of an allegation of greenwashing before a foreign court).
It is therefore imperative that their translation faithfully reflects your commitments… and respects local legal frameworks.
The legal and terminological specificities of CSR documents
Unlike purely communicational content, CSR documents combine legal, regulatory, environmental, and sometimes financial terminology. They are subject to standards (ISO 26000, GRI, CSRD) and must sometimes comply with formats imposed by local or supranational authorities.
Let's take a concrete example: a listed French company must submit a CSR report to a US financial authority as part of an IPO. A poor translation of the scope of human rights due diligence can lead to legal misunderstandings... or even sanctions.
Why use translators specializing in corporate law?
Translating an CSR document is not just about transposing words from one language to another. It involves:
- a perfect mastery of corporate law,
- knowledge of extra-financial reporting obligations,
- sensitivity to reputation and compliance issues.
A general translator won't be able to identify the intricacies of a duty of care clause or the legal implications of a misinterpreted ESG indicator. Conversely, an experienced legal translator will be able to choose the most appropriate equivalents, taking into account local practices and terminology.
Legal 230 expertise at the service of your CSR translations
At Legal 230, we assist numerous legal departments and law firms with the translation of their CSR documents into over 230 languages. Our network of specialized corporate law translators ensures compliant, clear, and usable deliverables for international stakeholders. Our translations are often used before foreign regulators, during litigation, or for sensitive transactions (compliance, due diligence, audits).
In a nutshell
The translation of your CSR documents doesn't tolerate guesswork. In a demanding legal context, it compromises your company's credibility and compliance. To secure your efforts and speak the same language as your foreign partners, rely on proven legal expertise.
Need a reliable and compliant CSR translation? Contact Legal 230 for tailored support.