CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SUPPLIERS
FOREWORD
Ethical business practices and responsible behavior are the foundation for our company’s long-term success. They are also an expression of our values and beliefs. We expect our suppliers to embrace these principles and ensure compliance with the standards set out in this Code of Conduct throughout the supply chain.
References for this Code are the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions.
The Supplier Code of Conduct is intended for both product suppliers and service providers and forms part of the contracts we sign with our suppliers. It is based on the Melitta Code of Conduct and applies to the entire Group.
If the provisions of this Code of Conduct, or of international regulations and conventions differ from local regulations, the stricter regulations shall always apply.
Melitta reserves the right to verify compliance with the standards set out in the Code of Conduct for Suppliers. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in termination of the contract.
ETHICAL STANDARDS
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COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
Our suppliers must always comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. Such compliance applies whether or not compliance is monitored by government authorities.
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FAIR COMPETITION AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Our suppliers treat their business partners and third parties fairly and promote fair and honest competition. Our suppliers do not tolerate any form of corruption or granting of advantages. Our suppliers voluntarily comply with the anti-corruption recommendations contained in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Our suppliers commit not to offer undue advantages related to business activities to any employee of Melitta Group. Especially if such advantages could improperly influence the employee’s actions and business decisions. Obviously, the use of third parties such as brokers, sponsors, agents or other intermediaries to circumvent this rule is prohibited.
LABOR AND SOCIAL STANDARDS
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RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Our suppliers commit to respect human rights in accordance with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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CHILD LABOR AND YOUNG WORKERS
Child labor is not permitted. ILO conventions apply as a minimum standard for the employment of young workers.
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FORCED LABOR
Forced labor is not permitted. This also applies to slave labor and labor practices in the form of private imprisonment.
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DISCRIMINATION
Our suppliers are committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. There must be no discrimination of employees based on, for example, descent, origin, nationality, skin color, religion, belief, political and union activities, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, illness or pregnancy.
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WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Our suppliers pay fair wages, organize working hours and grant social benefits in accordance with industry standards or international conventions. Employment contracts are always in writing.
Our suppliers guarantee health and safety services for employees in accordance with national and international standards. In addition, they strive to continuously improve the working environment.
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FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Our suppliers respect the active and passive freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, in accordance with the specific legislation of each country.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
We expect our suppliers to take seriously their responsibility to protect the environment. This includes, in particular, minimizing the environmental impact of production processes, developing new processes to protect the environment, and designing new products so that natural resources are preserved and used efficiently. Suppliers must strive for the highest level of product safety and quality.