Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers

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1 Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers This Code of Conduct defines the principles and requirements of Villeroy & Boch for its suppliers of products and services. The purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct is to establish the basis for a sustainable long-term business relationship of mutual trust and to create an awareness of corporate social responsibility in our suppliers. 1. Compliance with the Law In the respective production sites national and international law and regulations, minimum industrial standards, conventions of the Internal Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN) and all other relevant regulatory frameworks have to be respected. In case norms differ, the most stringent norm shall apply. 2. Child Labour and Employment of Adolescents Child labour and any form of exploitation of children and adolescents are not tolerated by Villeroy & Boch. United Nations regulations and conventions on human rights and children s rights must be observed. National standards for the protection of children and the employment of adolescents must be complied with. ILO exceptions are permitted. 1

2 Page 2 of Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers 3. Forced Labour Villeroy & Boch does not tolerated forced labour, compulsory work, debt bondage, serfdom or slavery and any conditions similar to slavery. No employee may (neither directly nor indirectly) be forced to work through intimidation or physical violence. 4. Discrimination Any form of discrimination during hiring and employment is prohibited. In particular, any difference in treatment based on race, caste, skin colour, gender, age, faith, political opinion, membership in a labour organization, physical or mental handicap, ethnic, national or social origin, nationality, sexual orientation or any other personal attributes is prohibited. 5. Working Hours Working hours have to comply with legal provisions, industrial standards or the relevant ILO conventions, whereby the strictest regulation has to be applied. The maximum permitted weekly working hours according to national law applies, however, it may not exceed 48 hours on a regular basis. Overtime must be voluntary, must not exceed 12 hours per week, and must not be required regularly. After six successive working days, employees must be entitled to at least one day off. Overtime must be compensated separately. 2

3 Page 3 of Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers 6. Employment Contracts Suppliers have to establish written employment contracts for their employees stating name, date and place of birth, home address of the employee (as possible), as well as minimum details regarding commencement and duration of the employment contract, working hours, wages and allowances. 7. Remuneration Suppliers ensure that the wages paid to the employees at least comply with the statutory minimum wages or the minimum wages typically required in the relevant industrial sector, whichever is the higher. Reducing of wages as a disciplinary measure is not permitted. 8. Right of Assembly and Right to Collective Bargaining The right to establish unions or comparable organizations for the purpose of promoting and protecting the interests of employees, to join, leave or be active for these organizations has to be admitted within the framework of applicable rights and laws. An employee s participation in such an organization must not negatively affect the employment. 9. Disciplinary Measures All employees must be treated with dignity and respect. Sanctions, fines, other penalties or disciplinary measures may only be imposed in line with applicable national and international norms and the internationally acknowledged human rights. No employee may be subjected to verbal, mental, sexual and/or physical force, coercion or harassment. 3

4 Page 4 of Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers 10. Health and Safety Suppliers must ensure a safe and healthy working environment. They have to take the necessary precautions to prevent occupational accidents and health damages. In order to ensure this, suppliers take measures to detect and prevent potential hazards to health and safety of their employees. 11. Environmental Protection The environment must be treated responsibly. Statutory norms and international standards have to be applied. 12. Information and Communication This Code of Conduct has to be communicated to supplier s employees. 13. Bribery and Corruption Bribery or corruption in any form is not tolerated by Villeroy & Boch. In case awarding of presents reflects conventions and courtesy, it has to be ensured that these do not result in obligations or dependencies and comply with applicable laws. Employees of Villeroy & Boch are not allowed to accept or award presents and gratuities if they are pecuniary gifts or non-standard discounts, the acceptance of such gratuities harms the business interests of Villeroy & Boch, the granting of the gratuity is directly related to the awarding of a contract the gratuity is offered during a negotiation or bidding process directly or indirectly by an involved party, the value of the gratuity exceeds what is socially adequate and appropriate considering all relevant circumstances. 4

5 Page 5 of Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers 14. Obligating of Suppliers Suppliers and Contractors It is a standard procedure at Villeroy & Boch that requires that its suppliers obligate their own suppliers and contractors to a Code of Conduct at least as stringent as this Code of Conduct in order to ensure consistent compliance throughout the supply chain. 15. Monitoring Villeroy & Boch reserves the right to verify the compliance with this Code of Conduct by subcontractors and suppliers or to have compliance verified by an independent third party, e.g. public accountants. Verification of compliance on the premises of subcontractors and suppliers in case required shall at all times be performed in coordination with them. Villeroy & Boch will be informed instantly by the supplier in case any violation of law or the provisions of this Code-of-Conduct has been detected. In case a supplier of Villeroy & Boch or its supplier or subcontractor is in breach of applicable law or this Code of Conduct, Villeroy & Boch reserves the right to terminate the business relationship. 5

6 Page 6 of Code of Conduct for Villeroy & Boch Suppliers 16. Complaints Complaints about or indications of violations of this Code of Conduct may be reported to Villeroy & Boch at all times also anonymously to the following contact: Compliance Officer Villeroy & Boch AG Ph: +49(0) Fax: +49(0) Compliance@villeroy-boch.com 6