Supplier code of conduct
Vendor code of conduct · Supplier standards
A supplier code of conduct states the minimum expectations an organisation sets for suppliers on areas such as ethics, labour, human rights, health and safety, environment, data protection and business integrity.
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Simply put
What it means in ordinary work
It tells suppliers what standards they must meet to work with the organisation. It matters only if the expectations are communicated, checked and linked to consequences.
Why it matters
A code can translate values and legal obligations into supplier requirements. It also supports due diligence and consistent conversations across categories.
A hypothetical in practice
A hypothetical code requires suppliers to prohibit forced labour, provide safe working conditions and report serious incidents. High-risk suppliers complete an assessment and provide evidence before onboarding.
Common pitfalls
A code that is not supported by training, monitoring or remedies is a statement, not a control.
Using one global code without checking local law and language can create impractical or conflicting requirements.
Regional lens
How this lands where you work
The global explanation is canonical. Regional notes are additive, separately sourced and shown with their own review state. They never replace the global meaning.
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As-of date for date-sensitive regional content: 5 November 2026. Read the review policy.