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Ethixbase360 Supplier Code of Conduct

Version 1 | June 2023
Introduction
We are committed to the highest standards of ethical business and expect the same from our suppliers and other business partners. 
 
The Ethixbase360 Supplier Code of Conduct (“Supplier Code”) summarises the ethical principles of the Ethixbase360 and builds on our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact and applicable laws designed to combat modern slavery in supply chains.
 
The Supplier Code describes the conduct Ethixbase360 expects from its contractors, consultants, suppliers, vendors, agents, and all other third-party companies that comprise Ethixbase360’s supply chain (“Suppliers”). Ethixbase360’s Suppliers must implement the requirements of this Supplier Code in their own operations, as well as in their supply chains.
 
All work performed for Ethixbase360 must be in full compliance with this Supplier Code and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. 
 
Failure to comply with the Supplier Code during business with Ethixbase360 will lead to your disqualification as an accepted Supplier and will eliminate you from consideration of new business with Ethixbase360 under our procurement guidelines.
 
You also commit to the obligation of reporting to Ethixbase360 any (suspected) violation of this Supplier Code and any law or regulation, as you become aware of it.  
 
Compliance with laws, rules and regulations
You agree that all business conducted on behalf of Ethixbase360 shall be performed in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. If local laws are less restrictive than the principles set forth in this Supplier Code of Conduct, Suppliers are expected to, at a minimum, comply with the Code. If local laws are more restrictive this Supplier Code of Conduct, Suppliers are expected to, at a minimum, comply with applicable local laws.
 
Bribery and Corruption
Ethixbase360 has zero tolerance for all forms of bribery and corruption as set out in this Supplier Code. Suppliers shall not make, authorise, or offer any bribes, kickbacks, or payments of money or anything of value to anyone, including officials, employees, or representatives of any government or public or international organisation, or to any other third party (public or private sector) for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or influencing any other favourable business decision, that is related in any way to Ethixbase360. 
 
Human Rights
Suppliers are expected to comply with applicable human rights, laws, in particular as they apply to supply chains and operations. Suppliers must also comply with all applicable employment and related laws (including those aimed at eradicating modern slavery) and are expected to meet in full their obligations under such laws.
 
Export Control and Trade Sanctions
Suppliers shall not provide Ethixbase360 with products or services that are manufactured in/provided from countries that are subject to import, export control and sanction laws, including without limitation, the laws of the United States and the European Union. Suppliers shall ensure that their supply of products and services to Ethixbase360 is not supported by entities and individuals with whom transactions are prohibited under applicable export control and sanctions laws, including those listed on any applicable sanctioned party lists.
 
Labour and Human Rights Standards
Suppliers are committed to uphold the human rights of workers and to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. Suppliers must take all reasonable measures to avoid and/or mitigate any labour and human rights risks and must provide access to remedy in case of human rights abuses.
 
Freely Chosen Employment
Forced, bonded, or indentured labour or involuntary prison labour is not to be used. All work will be voluntary, and workers should be free to leave upon given reasonable notice and at their own will. Workers shall not be required to forfeit any documents related to travel, identification, and so on, including but not limited to government-issued identification, passports, or work permits, as a condition of employment.
 
No Child Labour
Child labour is not to be used in any stage of the supply chain and manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person employed under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country – whichever is highest.  Persons under the age of 18 should not be allowed to carry out work that, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of such persons.
 
Working Hours
Working hours are not to exceed the maximum set by local law. 
 
Wages and Benefits
Ethixbase360 expects its Suppliers to adhere to minimum wage laws. 
 
Holding workers in debt bondage, forcing them to work in order to pay off a debt, and deception in wage commitments, payment, advances, and loans are prohibited.
 
Humane Treatment
There is to be no harsh and inhumane treatment, including any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment.
 
Workplace equality
Suppliers are expected to be committed to a workplace free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. Suppliers shall not engage in discrimination based on culture, race, colour, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as promotions, rewards, and access to training. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests that could be used in a discriminatory way.
 
Freedom of Association
Open communication and direct engagement between workers and management are the most effective ways to resolve workplace and compensation issues. Suppliers are to respect the rights of workers to associate freely, join or not join labour unions, seek representation, or join workers’ councils in accordance with local laws. Workers shall be able to communicate openly with management regarding working conditions without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment.
 
Health and Safety
Suppliers must take all reasonable measures to avoid and/or mitigate any health and safety risks. 
 
Suppliers shall prevent worker exposure to potential safety hazards (for example, electrical and other energy sources, fire, vehicle, and fall hazards) and make sure that such hazards are mitigated through proper design, engineering and administrative controls, preventive maintenance, and safe work procedures (including lockout-tagout). Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by these means, workers are to be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.
 
Workers shall not be disciplined or retaliated against for raising safety concerns. 
 
Environmental
Adverse effects on the community, environment, and natural resources must be minimised while safeguarding the health and safety of the public. Waste of all types, including water and energy, is to be reduced or eliminated at the source or by operational practices.
  
Responsibility for Company Resources
Suppliers are expected to safeguard Ethixbase360 resources, which include property, assets, intellectual property, company technology assets (network, phone, internet, software applications, and email systems), personal data, trade secrets, and other confidential, proprietary while performing work for Ethixbase360.  Use of Ethixbase360 resources without proper approvals or for anything other than to perform Ethixbase360 work activities is strictly prohibited under the Supplier Code. Intellectual property rights of Ethixbase360 must be protected. Ethixbase360 confidential or sensitive information must be protected.
 
Conflicts of Interest
While engaged in work for Ethixbase360, Suppliers must exercise reasonable care and diligence to avoid any actions or situations that could result in a potential conflict of interest or the appearance thereof.
 
A potential conflict of interest arises when a Supplier’s private or financial interests collide with those of Ethixbase360 or may be perceived to collide with Ethixbase360’s interests.
 
Financial Integrity
Accurate and reliable financial and business records are of critical importance in meeting Ethixbase360’s financial, legal, and business obligations. Suppliers must not have any false or inaccurate entries in the accounting books or records related to Ethixbase360 for any reason. Suppliers’ business records must be retained in accordance with record retention policies and all applicable laws and regulations.
 
Management system
Suppliers shall adopt or establish a management system with a scope that is related to the content of this Supplier Code.
 
Raising concerns
The standards of conduct described in the Supplier Code are critical to the ongoing success of Ethixbase360’s relationship with its Suppliers. If you have questions or concerns about compliance or supplier ethics issues while working for Ethixbase360 or in Ethixbase360’s supply chain, please let us know by emailing [email protected].