EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
 

In addition to the general requirement that all suppliers will extend the principle of fair and honest  dealings to all others with whom they do business, we also have specific requirements relating to employment conditions based on respect for fundamental human rights. These requirements apply not only to production for C&A but also to production for any other third party.

*   The use of child labour is absolutely unacceptable. Workers must not be younger than the legal minimum age for working in any specific country and not less than 14 years, whichever is the greater.
 

*   We will not tolerate forced labour or labour which involves physical or mental abuse or any form of corporal punishment.
 

*   Under no circumstances will the exploitation of any vulnerable individual or group be tolerated.
 

*   Wages and benefits must be fully comparable with local norms, must comply with all local laws and must conform with the general principle of fair and honest dealings.
 

*   Suppliers must ensure that all manufacturing processes are carried out under conditions, which have proper and adequate regard for the health and safety of those involved.
 

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
       

The realisation of environmental standards is a complex issue – especially in developing  countries. It therefore needs to be continuously reviewed within the limits of what is  achievable per country. We will work with our suppliers to help them to meet our joint obligations towards the environment.
 
 
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
 

C&A recognises and respects the freedom of employees to choose whether or not to associate with any group of their own choosing, as long as such groups are legal in their own country. Suppliers must not prevent or obstruct such legitimate activities.
 

DISCLOSURE & INSPECTION
 

We require suppliers to make full disclosure to us of all facts and circumstances concerning production and use of sub-contractors. All C&A suppliers are obliged to make their sub-contractors aware of, and comply with, the C&A Code of Conduct. Additionally, our suppliers are required to authorise SOCAM, the auditing company appointed by C&A, to make unannounced inspections of any manufacturing facility at any time.

MONITORING

So that this Code and the requirements it sets out have real meaning, we will ensure that standards of compliance on the part of our own employees and suppliers are actively audited and monitored and are an integral part of the day-to-day management process. We will maintain all necessary information systems and on-site inspection facilities to achieve this objective.

SANCTIONS
 

Where we believe that a supplier has breached the requirements set out in this Code either for C&A production or for any other third party, we will not hesitate to end our business relationship including the cancellation of outstanding orders. We also reserve the right to take whatever other actions are appropriate and possible.

CORRECTIVE PLANS
 

Where business has been suspended due to an infringement of the C&A Code of Conduct, the business relationship may only be re-established after a convincing Corrective Plan has been submitted by the supplier and approved by C&A.

AWARENESS & TRAINING
 

We will take all necessary steps to ensure that our employees and suppliers are made fully aware of our standards and requirements. We will take all necessary actions to promote full understanding and co-operation with the aims and objectives of this Code.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE
 

This document is an update of the ‘C&A Code of Conduct for the Supply of Merchandise’ published in May 1996, which it supersedes. Whilst accepting the need for continuity and consistency, we continue to recognise that this Code must be developed over time in the light of practical experience and changing circumstances .We will continue to ensure that the Code is reviewed on a regular basis and revised where appropriate