Code of conduct

Besides stipulating compliance with the core labour standards of International Labour Organization (ILO), our Code also includes a section on environmental standards regarding emission to air, water and ground, and chemical management which the manufacturing sites must follow. A minimum requirement in our compliance program is that all our direct product suppliers have to sign the Code of Conduct in order to be in business with us. 

Kwintet has a proactive approach to implement the Code of Conduct for our suppliers and follows the guidelines of the Fair Wear Foundation. Although all of our direct product suppliers must sign our Code of Conduct, our compliance audit program is focused on our Preferred suppliers.

Suppliers receive a compliance manual as guidance on how to comply with the Kwintet Code. They are obligated to implement this Code, thereby meeting the minimum requirements on human rights, compliance with labor laws and environmental protection.

We have a procedure to ensure that the suppliers comply with our Code of Conduct. It includes compliance audits by an external audit team and regular follow-ups by our internal audit team, for continuous improvement and supplier awareness.

Suppliers are requested to fill out a self-assessing questionnaire on an annual basis. This is a way for us to get an initial picture of the compliance situation within the supply chain, enabling us to take necessary action where further supplier remediation and improvement is needed.

The regular follow-up of suppliers and their progress on ensuring good working conditions in the manufacturing sites is shared with our sourcing team, which helps out in the supplier dialogue. No new product developments are supposed to be passed on to the factory unless they meet our minimum requirements.

Besides signing the Code of Conduct, all our direct product suppliers must also sign our Restricted Substances List. The list entails all chemical substances that are restricted according to REACH legislation, in products imported to the EU. Kwintet is a member of Kemikaliegruppen vid Swerea IVF, through which we receive regular updates in the field of REACH and how compliance can be ensured. We regularly update our Restricted Substances List accordingly and inform our suppliers when amendments have been made.