SUPPLIER AND PARTNER CODE OF CONDUCT

Corporate integrity, responsible sourcing, and the safety and wellbeing of workers across the global supply and partnership chain are of paramount importance to Vix. These core principles are reflected in this Code of Conduct (Code), which establishes the minimum standards to be met by organisations supplying products or services to Vix. Vix has the right to modify and republish this Code at its discretion.

All Suppliers and Partners must comply with this Code and all applicable laws and regulations where they operate. Suppliers and Partners are responsible for maintaining and enforcing equivalent standards within their own supply chain.

Suppliers and Partners shall monitor their compliance with the Code and shall report any violations (actual or suspected) of this Code as soon as possible to Vix. Suppliers and Partners shall not retaliate against any employee who has reported violations of this Code. Where Vix becomes aware of any violation of the Code, Vix may immediately, upon written notice, terminate its business relationship (including any purchase orders and contracts) with that Supplier or Partner.

Code of Conduct

1. Equal Opportunities. Vix is an equal opportunity employer. Suppliers and Partners shall not discriminate in any form on the basis of race, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital or pregnancy status, disability, or any other characteristic during any recruitment or employment activities.

2. Human Rights. Suppliers and Partners shall comply with all internationally recognised human rights set out in the ILO Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This includes not using child labour, bonded labour, indentured labour, or prison labour, recognising the right of workers to a living wage,  to be free from discrimination and to be able to decide whether to lawfully associate with groups of their choice. Suppliers and Partners shall comply with all applicable anti-slavery and human trafficking laws and codes in all parts of their supply chain. Suppliers and Partners must pay wages and benefits that meet legal minimums and industry standards without unauthorised deductions.

3. Working Environment. Suppliers and Partners shall provide a safe, healthy, and sanitary working environment and comply with all applicable health and safety laws and any other relevant laws where they operate. Any form of threat of harassment, in any form, must be prohibited and not tolerated.

4. Business Integrity. Suppliers and Partners must maintain the highest ethical standards and comply with all applicable laws relating to the prevention of bribery and corruption. Suppliers and Partners must prohibit all types of bribery, corruption, and money laundering and forbid gifts or other incentives to private or public officials that aim to influence business decisions or otherwise encourage them to act contrary to their obligations. Suppliers and Partners shall comply with all applicable competition laws, including those relating to teaming and information sharing with competitors, price fixing, and rigging bids.

5. Conflict Minerals: In line with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, suppliers may be requested to determine the source of tin, tungsten, tantalum, or gold (3TGs) in the manufacture of products, and Vix may be required to seek evidence by way of Conflict Minerals Reports.

6. Environmental Responsibility. Suppliers and Partners shall ensure that they comply with all applicable environmental laws, including laws and international treaties relating to waste disposal, emissions, discharges, and hazardous and toxic material handling.

7. Information Security & Data Protection. Suppliers and Partners shall have in place appropriate measures to protect the integrity and confidentiality of information (including information belonging to or supplied by Vix) held on their systems and ensure that there is no unauthorised access to the information by third parties. Suppliers and Partners shall comply with all data protection laws and requirements when processing any personal data on behalf of Vix.

SMS-00017 Vix Supplier & Partner Code of Conduct v5.0

Last updated January 2024