GLOSSARY
Supplier code of conduct
A supplier code of conduct is a document a purchasing company issues to set minimum standards of ethical, human-rights, labor, and environmental behavior across its supply chain, typically requiring a signature as a condition of doing business or starting a contract. Common clauses include anti-corruption, prohibition of forced labor, freedom of association, and compliance with environmental law.
Why it matters for Tier-2/3
Tier-2/3 suppliers commonly get asked to sign different codes of conduct from multiple customers, so mapping the common clauses into internal policy lets you prepare the signature review and the actual implementation at the same time. Signing without any implementation evidence behind it can become a finding in a later due-diligence review.
Related
Informational only — this does not replace an official ESG evaluation. Independent content; not affiliated with or endorsed by any framework organization.