OPERATING GUIDELINES

LEGAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Our business relationship is built on a mutual respect for and adherence to all legal requirements and the highest ethical standards. We expect our business partners to observe all international standards and national and local laws and regulations while operating their business.

WAGES, BENEFITS, WORKING HOURS, AND TRANSPARENT RECORD KEEPING

Our business partners must comply with all laws regulating local wages, overtime compensation, and legally mandated benefits. Wage and benefit policies must be consistent with prevailing national standards. Under ordinary business circumstances, employees must not be required to work excessive working hours per week including overtime and have the option of at least one day off in seven. We expect that all record keeping will be accurate and transparent at all times.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Our business partners must ensure that their employees are provided a safe and healthy work environment, and are not subject to unsanitary or hazardous conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Our business partners must embrace a fundamental concern for environmental protection and conduct their operations consistent with local and internationally recognized environmental laws and best practices. They must also operate and source in such a manner that respects the environment and local communities, with particular concern to avoid deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

CHILD LABOR

Our business partners must not use child labor, defined as employees under the age of 16.

FORCED OR BONDED LABOR

Our business partners will not work with or arrange for purchase of any materials or services that support or utilize forced or bonded labor.

DISCIPLINARY PRACTICES

Our business partners will not employ or conduct any business activity with partners who employ any form of physical or mental coercion or punishment or monetary fines against employees.

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

Our business partners will not practice any form of discrimination or harassment in hiring and employment, based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, and ethnic or national origin.

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

Our business partners should respect the legal rights of employees to freely, and without harassment, participate in organizations of their choice.

SUBCONTRACTING

Our business partners may only subcontract to previously approved suppliers for manufacturing or services according to our corporate requirements. All subcontracted suppliers must meet the same criteria as our direct contracted product and service suppliers.

ANIMAL SOURCING PRINCIPLES

Our business partners must share our commitment to principles, practices, and regulations that require animals in our supply chain to be treated with care and respect.

CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE AND PRODUCT SAFETY

Our business partners must comply with applicable international customs’ laws and regulations, including but not limited to, participation in US-based Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Programs (C-TPAT) for all products and services as well as other international security regulations. In addition, all products must specifically meet all Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations and requirements and all international regulations and restrictions for product safety and hazardous substances.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST/ANTI-BRIBERY