Supplier Code of Conduct・Environmental Policy・Human Rights・Labor Practice and Employment Standards

Based on the following declaration, our company is committed to the responsible procurement and provision of products and services, as well as to the improvement of our working environment. We also expect our suppliers to provide products and services in accordance with the standards set forth in the same declaration.

1. Legal Compliance

In the manufacturing and distribution of procured goods, all applicable domestic and international laws must be observed, while respecting international norms. In cases where there is a conflict between international norms and the laws of individual countries, efforts should be made to comply with local laws while respecting international standards.

  • Whistleblower Protection
    No retaliatory action shall be taken against any individual for reporting violations of laws or procurement codes.

  • Establishment of a Whistleblowing System
    Efforts must be made to establish a system (grievance mechanism) to accept and address reports of violations of laws or procurement codes.

2. Environmental Policy

To reduce environmental impact, we seek to procure goods that meet the basic policies established by applicable countries, local governments, and business partners. Efforts should be made to reduce energy consumption in the manufacturing and distribution of goods to reduce the environmental impact throughout the entire value chain over the product lifecycle. This includes selecting energy sources with lower CO2 emissions and striving to achieve carbon neutrality by using electricity and heat generated from renewable energy sources.

Pollutants and chemicals must be properly managed according to legal requirements, and waste must be appropriately disposed of. Suppliers are also required to comply with these standards, and if waste management requirements are set by customers, suppliers must ensure that these standards are adhered to during production and management.

Suppliers must not use illegally harvested or extracted resources from forests, oceans, or other resources in the procurement of goods. Additionally, suppliers must not use materials associated with conflicts or criminal activities in their procurement of goods.

Restricted Substances Management
When certain substances are prohibited or restricted in specific regions or by business partners, they must be properly managed during manufacturing and distribution to meet those requirements. In cases where a declaration of non-use is required, a written statement confirming the non-use of these substances in the final product must be submitted.

3. Human Rights

Suppliers must observe and respect international standards concerning human rights in the procurement of goods. International standards refer to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

  • Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment

    Discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, based on a person’s race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, social origin or other status must be eliminated.

  • Women’s Rights

    Efforts should be made to respect women's rights and promote gender equality, including empowering women in the workforce and ensuring access to maternity and childcare leave.

  • Children’s Rights

    In the manufacturing and distribution of goods, children's rights must be respected, and child labor must be prohibited to support their healthy development.

  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities

    Efforts should be made to respect the rights of persons with disabilities, promote their participation in economic and social activities, and create barrier-free workplace environments. In providing products and services, attention should be paid to the convenience and safety of persons with disabilities.

  • Prohibition of the Infringement on the Rights of Indigenous and Local Communities

    The rights of indigenous peoples and local communities must be respected. The right to a free will with prior and informed consent must be upheld, and forced evictions or significant destruction of living environments must not be carried out.

4. Labor Practice and Employment Standards

In all stages of manufacturing and distribution domestic and abroad, forced labor, child labor, excessive working hours, and illegal employment of foreign workers are prohibited. Proper labor management and safe working environments must be ensured.

  • International Labor Practice Standards

    Suppliers must observe and respect international labor standards, particularly the core labor principles and rights promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

  • Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining

    We respect the workers’ right to freedom of association and their right to engage in collective bargaining.

  • Prohibition of Forced Labor

    No form of forced labor, whether physical or psychological, shall be permitted. Additionally, suppliers must not engage in human trafficking.

  • Prohibition of Child Labor

    Child labor in any form shall not be permitted.

  • Prohibition of Employment and Workplace Discrimination

    Discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or social status in terms of employment, wages, working hours, and other working conditions is strictly prohibited.

  • Wages

    Wages paid to workers must meet or exceed the minimum wage stipulated by law.

  • Prohibition of Long Working Hours

    Illegal long working hours must not be permitted.

  • Occupational Safety and Health

    A safe and healthy working environment must be provided, including the establishment of safety and health committees and mental health measures, in compliance with relevant safety and health laws.

  • Foreign and Migrant Workers

    Foreign and migrant workers (including technical interns, individuals on specified skilled worker visas, and international students) working domestically must be managed in accordance with relevant laws. Illegal practices such as unpaid wages, illegal long working hours, confiscation of passports, forced repatriation, and collection of deposits must not occur.

    Working conditions must be provided in writing in a language understood by the workers in accordance with laws and government directives.
    When accepting foreign or migrant workers through intermediaries or dispatch agencies, it is essential to verify that these agencies have the proper legal permits and do not charge unjust mediation fees or violate the workers' rights.

    Appropriate living conditions for foreign and migrant workers should be ensured, and systems should be established to facilitate grievances and complaints, including cooperation with relevant authorities.

July 28th, 2024
Naoya Fujita
CEO, V&A Japan Corporation