supplier code of conduct

GSS’s (our) business activities rely on strong collaboration with our suppliers. Therefore, we expect all our suppliers to align with our company’s values and commitments to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, effective governance, and ethical business practices. This Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the principles we expect our suppliers to respect, reflecting our commitment to creating a responsible and sustainable supply chain that benefits the environment, our business, partners, and society as a whole.

 

1.Social responsibility

We expect our suppliers to uphold practices that enhance the well-being of employees, contractors and communities affected by their business operations. These practices include but are not limited to:

  • Labour standards: provide just, fair, and safe working environment, working conditions, work equipment, and remuneration to employees, complying with all applicable labour laws and regulations. This includes prohibiting child or forced labour, as well as any form of human trafficking.
  • Diversity and equality: provide diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunities within the workforce, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, social economic backgrounds, religion and belief or other protected characteristics.
  • Human rights: respect and protect human rights as outlined in international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This includes the prohibition of any form of discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

 

2.Environmental sustainability

We expect our suppliers to do their utmost to minimise the environmental impacts of operations, products, and services on a long-term basis. Suppliers are encouraged to implement environmental management system and are expected to, as a minimum, adhere to the following principles in conducting business operations:

  • Compliance with environmental laws and legislation: comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
  • Resource conservation: implement practices that minimize their environmental impact, including but not limited to energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible use of natural resources.
  • Pollution prevention: strive to prevent pollution by adopting sustainable practices, managing waste appropriately and sustainably, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

 

3.Governance

We expect our suppliers to act ethically and to be honest, transparent, accountable, and trustworthy in all their dealings with other parties. Suppliers are expected to conduct business in accordance with the following principles:

  • Ethical conduct: conduct business affairs with the highest level of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct. This includes demonstrating a commitment to fair competition, transparency, and fair business practices, as well as actively preventing malpractices such as corruption, bribery, fraud, or money laundering. Working in the IT sector, specific attention on ethical conduct is required for conflict minerals. We strive to avoid the use of conflict minerals in the products that we purchase. We expect our vendors:
    • To have a conflict mineral policy in place;
    • To exercise due diligence on mineral sourcing and trade for the products they manufacture, following the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas or an equivalent and acknowledged due diligence framework;
    • To provide us with requested information in a timely manner, confirming the minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold) in the supplied products originate from conflict free sources.
  • Legal compliance: observe and adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and legal requirements.
  • Data protection and privacy: respect the privacy and confidentiality of personal data and ensure compliance with applicable data protection and privacy laws and regulations.

 

4.Implementation and compliance

We strongly encourage our suppliers to implement appropriate policies, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers should be able to communicate and demonstrate compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct, upon our first request.

If we have reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of this Supplier Code of Conduct, we may require our supplier to take additional measures. Ultimately, material, or persistent non-compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct can be a reason for us to terminate the business relationship with our supplier.