INTRODUCTION“
The C&A Code of Conduct for the Supply of Merchandise”
describes the standards of business conduct which we see
as fundamental in our dealings with merchandise suppliers.
Although our dealings with suppliers often take place in
cultures which are different from our own and which have
a different set of norms and values, certain standards are
universally valid and must apply to all our commercial
activities.
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS
We seek to develop long-term business
relationships with our suppliers who
should have a natural respect for our
ethical standards in the context of their
own particular culture. Our
relationships with suppliers are based
on the principle of fair and honest
dealings at all times and in all ways.
We specifically require our suppliers to
extend the same principle of fair and
honest dealings to all others with
whom they do business including
employees, sub-contractors and other
third parties. For example, this
principle also means that gifts or
favours cannot be offered nor accepted
at any time.
LEGAL ASPECTS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
We will always comply fully with the
legal requirements of the countries in
which we do business and our suppliers
are required to do likewise at all times.
The Intellectual Property Rights of
third parties will be respected by all
concerned.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
In addition to the general requirement
that all suppliers will extend the
principle of fair and honest dealings to
all other with whom they do business,
we also have specific requirements
relating to employment conditions.
based on respect for fundamental
human rights. These requirements apply
not only to production for C&A but
also to production for any other third
party.
• The use of child labour is absolutely
unacceptable. Workers must not be
younger than the legal minimum
age for working in any specific
country and not less than 14 years,
whichever is the greater.
• We will not tolerate forced labour
or labour which involves physical or
mental abuse or any form of
corporal punishment.
• Under no circumstances will the
exploitation of any vulnerable
individual or group be tolerated.
• Wages and benefits must be fully
comparable with local norms, must
comply with all local laws and must
conform with the general principle
of fair and honest dealings.
• Suppliers must ensure that all
manufacturing processes are carried
out under conditions which have
proper and adequate regard for the
health and safety of those involved.
ENVIROMENTAL ASPECTS
The realisation of environmental
standards is a complex issue - especially
in developing countries. It therefore
needs to be continuously reviewed
within the limits of what is achievable
per country. We will work with our
suppliers to help them to meet our
joint obligations towards the
environment.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
We recognise and respect the
freedom of employees to choose
whether or not to associate with any
group of their own choosing, as long as
such groups are legal in their own
country. Suppliers must not prevent or
obstruct such legitimate activities.
DISCLOSURE & INSPECTION
We require suppliers to make full
disclosure to us of all facts and
circumstances concerning production
and use of sub-contractors. All C&A
suppliers are obliged to make their
sub-contractors aware of, and comply
with, the C&A Code of Conduct.
Additionally, our suppliers are required
to authorise SOCAM, the auditing
company appointed by C&A, to make
unannounced inspections of any
manufacturing facility at any time.
MONITORING
So that this Code and the requirements
it sets out have real meaning, we will
ensure that standards of compliance on
the part of our own employees and
suppliers are actively audited and
monitored and are an integral part of
the day-to-day management process.
We will maintain all necessary
information systems and on-site
inspection facilities to achieve this
objective.
SANCTIONS
Where we believe that a supplier has
breached the requirements set out in
this Code either for C&A production or
for any other third party, we will not
hesitate to end our business relationship
including the cancellation of
outstanding orders. We also reserve the
right to take whatever other actions are
appropriate and possible.
CORRECTIVE PLANS
Where business has been suspended
due to an infringement of the C&A
Code of Conduct, the business
relationship may only be re-established
after a convincing Corrective Plan has
been submitted by the supplier and
approved by C&A.
AWARENESS & TRAINING
We will take all necessary steps to
ensure that our employees and
suppliers are made fully aware of our
standards and requirements. We will
take all necessary actions to promote
full understanding and co-operation
with the aims and objectives of this
Code.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE
This document is an update of the
“C&A Code of Conduct for the Supply
of Merchandise” published in May
1996, which it supersedes.
`Whilst accepting the need for
continuity and consistency, we continue
to recognise that this Code must be
developed over time in the light of
practical experience and changing
circumstances. We will continue to
ensure that the Code is reviewed on a
regular basis and revised where
appropriate.
