The Code of Product Responsibility Conduct is the tangible presentation of what you are doing to meet the expectations of the end buyer for product safety, social and environmental assurances. It is a statement of principles. It is what a supplier would hand to a distributor and what a distributor would hand to an end buyer when an end buyer expresses those expectations.

It is your commitment.

Many end buyers, particularly larger businesses, have already adopted their own Code of Product Responsibility Conduct. There is no specific law that requires a Code of Product Responsibility Conduct, but there is remarkable similarity among those that have been adopted. Many of them draw from working conditions standards that have been put forth by various international entities, government as well as non-governmental.

Typically, the Codes include statements on environmental, safety and quality commitments. Below is an example of the code. 

To show your support and adoption of this Code of Conduct, feel free to copy and paste the below information onto your website and/or include this information in your business communications.



2011 Code of Product Responsibility Conduct 
(COMPANY)'S COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT 
Our Company believes we must not only meet the expectations of our customers and consumers, we must exceed those expectations. To that end, we have adopted standards for the safety, quality and integrity of our products and processes and we are committed to respecting the rights of individuals and protecting the environment. We are dedicated to complying with all applicable laws and to conduct business in an ethical and responsible manner. 

Product Safety 
We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding safety of products we sell. We will meet applicable recognized voluntary industry standards for our products and processes. 

No Abuse Of Labor 
We will not use any form of forced labor, including indentured, prison, bonded or slave labor. We will not use physical or verbal harassment or abuse to discipline employees. 

No Child Labor 
We will not use child labor. We will comply with all minimum age provisions of applicable laws and regulations. 

Freedom Of Association 
We respect the rights of employees to associate or organize without fear of reprisal or interference. If employees are represented by an organization recognized under law, we respect the right to bargain collectively. 

No Discrimination 
We will not discriminate in hiring and employment practices on the basis of age, nationality, race, religion, social or ethnic orientation, gender or disability. 

Hours And Wages 
We will comply with all applicable wage, work hours, hiring, benefits, and overtime laws and regulations. 
In the absence of law in a particular location relating to product safety, labor, employment, environment or working conditions, the spirit and intent of these policies shall be met. 

Workplace Conditions 
We will provide a safe, healthy and secure workplace. We will abide by all applicable laws and regulations for safety and health. Proper sanitation, lighting, ventilation and fire safety protection will be provided. 

Environment 
We abide by all applicable environmental laws and regulations. We will manage our environmental footprint to minimize the adverse impact on the environment. We will manage our energy, water and waste systems for maximum efficiency and minimal adverse impact on the environment. 

Subcontractors And Sources 
We require all businesses that support our business as subcontractors, manufacturers or sources of goods to comply with all of the same policies stated in our Commitment to Ethical and Responsible Conduct Policy. All subcontractors and suppliers are required to comply with all applicable and national laws. 

We expect those businesses to develop and implement internal business procedures to ensure compliance with our policy.