Supplier Code of Conduct

Supplier Code of Conduct for Secret Ingredients, Inc.

Introduction
 

At Secret Ingredients, Inc., we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and transparency in our business practices. This Supplier Code of Conduct sets forth the principles and expectations for our suppliers, ensuring that they operate in a manner that aligns with our values and ethical standards. We expect all suppliers to adhere to these guidelines as part of our ongoing partnership in promoting fair and sustainable business practices.
 

1. Ethical Business Practices
•    Integrity and Transparency: Suppliers must conduct business in an honest, transparent, and ethical manner at all times. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, fraud, corruption, and any forms of bribery.
•    Anti-Corruption: Suppliers are expected to comply with all relevant anti-corruption laws and refrain from engaging in any form of bribery or corrupt practices, including offering or accepting bribes, kickbacks, or improper payments.
 

2. Labor and Human Rights
•    Fair Treatment: Suppliers must ensure fair and equitable treatment of all employees and provide a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All workers should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics.
•    No Forced or Child Labor: Suppliers must prohibit forced labor, including human trafficking, and child labor. Employees should not be required to work under duress, and the legal working age must be strictly adhered to in accordance with local laws and international standards.
•    Freedom of Association: Suppliers must respect the right of employees to freely associate, organize, and bargain collectively in accordance with local laws.
 

3. Health and Safety
•    Safe Working Conditions: Suppliers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. This includes ensuring the provision of necessary protective equipment, maintaining workplace safety protocols, and addressing potential hazards.
•    Compliance with Regulations: Suppliers must adhere to all applicable health and safety regulations and standards to protect the well-being of their workers.
 

4. Environmental Responsibility
•    Sustainability: Suppliers must comply with all environmental laws and regulations, seeking to minimize their environmental impact through the responsible use of resources, reduction of waste, and proper disposal of hazardous materials.
•    Continuous Improvement: Suppliers are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and continually improve their environmental performance, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
 

5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
•    Legal Compliance: Suppliers must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws, including those governing labor, environmental protection, and anti-corruption practices.
•    Import/Export Laws: Suppliers must adhere to all applicable laws concerning the export and import of goods, including customs regulations, product safety standards, and intellectual property protections.
 

6. Product Quality and Safety
•    Commitment to Quality: Suppliers are expected to provide products and services that meet the quality standards and specifications set by Secret Ingredients, Inc. They must ensure the safety, integrity, and traceability of their products at all stages of production and distribution.
•    Product Testing and Documentation: Suppliers must comply with applicable industry standards and regulations concerning product safety, and must provide relevant documentation to confirm product compliance.
 

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection
•    Confidential Information: Suppliers must safeguard confidential information and trade secrets related to Secret Ingredients, Inc. and its business partners. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information is prohibited.
•    Data Protection: Suppliers must protect the privacy and confidentiality of any personal or sensitive data they handle, ensuring compliance with all applicable data protection laws and regulations.
 

8. Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade
•    Responsible Sourcing: Suppliers must ensure that the sourcing of materials and products is done in an ethical manner, ensuring that resources are obtained responsibly and that their supply chain does not contribute to social or environmental harm.
•    Fair Wages: Suppliers are expected to compensate their workers fairly, providing wages and benefits that meet or exceed local legal requirements and industry standards.
 

9. Continuous Improvement and Accountability
•    Monitoring and Audits: Secret Ingredients, Inc. reserves the right to conduct audits or assessments of suppliers to verify compliance with this Code of Conduct. Suppliers must cooperate fully in any audits and take corrective actions when necessary.
•    Corrective Action: In case of non-compliance, suppliers must take immediate steps to address any identified issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
•    Ongoing Improvement: Suppliers are encouraged to continuously improve their practices, demonstrate leadership in ethical business practices, and engage in regular training and education on relevant topics.
 

10. Commitment to This Code
By engaging with Secret Ingredients, Inc., our suppliers agree to uphold the principles outlined in this Supplier Code of Conduct. We expect our suppliers to promote ethical conduct and to maintain open lines of communication regarding any challenges or concerns that may arise.
 

Conclusion
We value our partnerships with suppliers and recognize that ethical conduct and shared responsibility are key to building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Secret Ingredients, Inc. is committed to supporting its suppliers in meeting the requirements of this Code of Conduct, ensuring that we continue to grow responsibly while maintaining the trust of our customers, employees, and communities.
 

Acknowledgment
Suppliers are required to acknowledge their commitment to this Supplier Code of Conduct in writing and agree to uphold the standards outlined in this document as part of the supplier onboarding process.