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Ethical Code of Conduct
1. Supplier Relationships
HSBC recognises that our dealings with suppliers often take place in cultures with different norms and values. Certain standards, however, as set out in this Code, are universally applicable and we expect everyone with whom HSBC has commercial dealings to meet such standards.
HSBC expects its suppliers to have a natural respect for our ethical standards in the context of their own particular culture. The relationships with our suppliers are based on the principle of fair and honest dealings at all times and in all ways. HSBC specifically expects its suppliers to extend the same principle of fair and honest dealings to all others with whom they do business, including employees, sub-contractors and other third parties.
2. Environmental
HSBC expects its suppliers:
- To have an effective environmental policy, to endeavour always to achieve this policy using the best available techniques, to implement the policy at all levels throughout the company and to include a commitment to continual improvement in environmental performance and waste reduction.
- To adhere to all environmental legislation, regulations and all local laws to facilitate the protection of the environment.
- To have a process that ensures conformity to local regulations, including those relating to the handling, recycling, and the elimination and disposal of dangerous materials.
- To identify a person within its business who has responsibility for environmental compliance issues and to be able to demonstrate that responsible personnel are adequately trained in environmental matters.
- To work actively to improve the environment and proactively to pursue any initiatives that bring about that improvement.
3. Employment Conditions
HSBC expects suppliers to respect the rights of their employees and to comply with all relevant legislation, regulations and directives in the country in which they operate.
3.1. Child Labour
Exploitation of child labour or of any other vulnerable group (e.g. illegal immigrants) is totally unacceptable to HSBC.
3.2. Health & Safety
Suppliers must ensure that they or their suppliers abide by all local laws, directives and regulations relating to health and safety in the workplace or in any other location other than the workplace where production or work is undertaken and that they implement any amendments to these laws, directives or regulations.
3.3. Working Conditions
HSBC expects its suppliers to provide adequate working facilities for all of its employees. Specifically, and as a minimum:
- access to sanitation, drinking water and fire escapes;
- provision of meal breaks;
- safe working conditions;
- adequate ventilation and temperature controls.
3.4. Discrimination
HSBC expects its suppliers to treat everyone fairly when selecting and dealing with their employees and should not treat any person less favourably because of their race, colour, religion, sexuality, age, gender, nationality or disability.
4. Monitoring
HSBC expects that suppliers will actively audit and monitor their day to day management process to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct.
5. Development of the Code of Conduct
HSBC will review this Code of Conduct on a regular basis and will introduce revisions where necessary. Suppliers are invited to contribute towards the further development of this Code of Conduct.
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