This Supplier Code of Conduct provides details about the VISWA Group’s ethos, our aspiration for how our business operates, and the expectations we have of our suppliers. It is integral to our business strategy and success that we have a positive impact when dealing with our clients, suppliers, employees, and the wider society wherever we do business.
For the purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct, “Supplier” means any company, corporation, or other entity or person that sells, or seeks to sell, goods or services to VISWA, including the Supplier’s employees, vendors, agents, subcontractors, and other sub-tier sources. Supplier is also responsible for communicating the contents of this Supplier Code of Conduct to its officers, directors, employees, agents, subcontractors, and other sub-tier sources who are involved in the procurement and production process related to products and services provided to VISWA.
VISWA is committed to working with our suppliers to ensure that the Supplier Code of Conduct is adhered to by all of the firm’s suppliers and throughout the supply chain.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
VISWA, Inc. (“VISWA” or “Company”) is committed to conduct business with the highest levels of ethics and integrity. We expect our employees and our suppliers to maintain the same high levels of ethics and integrity. We expect and encourage our supplier’s business and labour practices (and those of their subcontractors) must comply with all the applicable laws as well as the requirements of this Supplier Code of Business Conduct. All suppliers will be required to educate and, when appropriate, train their representatives to ensure they are aware of VISWA’s expectations regarding their behaviour. The policies summarized below are not exhaustive, and there may be other conduct not explicitly listed that would be unacceptable.
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
VISWA expects our suppliers to comply with all the applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Applicable laws may include, but are not limited to, laws governing the purchase of securities, trade secrets, data privacy, fair business practice laws governing interactions with third parties or competitors, laws regarding export of technology to and from certain locations or to do business at all in certain locations, laws requiring us to protect the individuals’ privacy and confidential information and laws governing how we interact with governmental agencies.
FAIR DEALING
VISWA expects our suppliers to deal fairly with our customers, other suppliers, competitors, and employees. Do not make false and/or misleading statements. Do not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.
ANTIBRIBERY & CORRUPTION
The supplier is prohibited from engaging in corrupt conduct. The supplier must ensure that their employees, agents, affiliates, and subcontractors comply with applicable bribery and anti-corruption laws including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the UK Bribery Act. The supplier must not promise, offer, or accept bribes, kickbacks or other improper or unlawful payments or engage third parties to facilitate such conduct when conducting business with or on behalf of VISWA. Examples include cash, cash equivalents, gifts, services or other inducements which are intended to secure an improper business advantage. The supplier is prohibited from making any direct or indirect payments or promises to foreign government officials for the purposes of inducing the individual to misuse his/her position to obtain or retain business.
Special rules apply to gifts to government officials in the U.S. and other countries. Please note that the laws and regulations of the United States and other countries prohibit giving anything of value to a foreign official to secure an improper advantage. Violations of these laws may result in criminal prosecution.
The supplier must ensure that their accounting and financial records related to their business with VISWA are accurate, complete and comply with the applicable laws.
GIFTS
The supplier must avoid offering VISWA employees or customers gifts, meals or entertainment, or travel that might improperly influence or appear to influence VISWA employees.
LABOUR & IMMIGRATION
As an equal opportunity employer, VISWA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of their age, race, colour, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics. We expect our supplier to adopt and implement similar policies and practices.
The supplier must treat their employees who conduct business on behalf of VISWA with respect and dignity and may not subject them to physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
The supplier must pay their employees in a timely manner and provide compensation that satisfies the applicable laws (including overtime pay and benefits where required). Under no circumstances may supplier delay or withhold wages as disciplinary measures.
The supplier may not knowingly employ any person who is not authorized to work (as determined by applicable law). Supplier must comply with all immigration and labour laws of the country in which their employee or subcontractors are employed.
The supplier shall refrain from any form of forced labour of a physical, psychological, or financial nature.
The supplier shall grant its employees the right to terminate their employment contract in compliance with the contractually agreed or statutory notice period.
Withholding identification documents from employees is prohibited.
The supplier shall ensure that employees, in particular, migrant workers and migrants, do not have to make any unlawful payments or deposits to get their jobs. If legitimate payments for employment agencies are incurred, these shall be paid for by the supplier.
The supplier shall exercise particular care when assigning employment agencies, both directly and indirectly. Only legal and responsible employment agencies may be appointed. If possible, the supplier shall refer to certified employment agencies
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s private interest interferes with, or even appears to interfere with, the interests of the Company. You must avoid any action, investment, interest, or association that interferes with, may interfere with, or appears to interfere with, your ability to perform your responsibilities, job, or duties for the Company objectively and effectively. A conflict of interest can also arise if you or a member of your family receives improper personal benefits because of your position with the Company. Specifically, you should deal with all suppliers, customers, and all other persons doing business with the Company in a completely fair and objective manner without favour or preference based upon personal or financial considerations. Some specific examples of conflicts of interest are set forth below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of potential conflicts of interest. it is intended to provide you with examples of the most common conflicts of interest. Potential conflicts of interests include:
- Accepting or giving a gift or entertainment.
- Hold any employment, managerial, or advisor position with any firm or corporation which is a competitor of VISWA.
- Holding a position of employment, or a managerial or advisor position with a firm or corporation that might interfere in the performance of your regular duties.
If you believe that any of the situations described above may be applicable to you, or if you are aware of any other situations that may involve a conflict of interest, you are required to disclose those situations to VISWA.
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND PRODUCT SAFETY
The supplier must label hazardous materials, chemicals, and substances and ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, recycling, and disposal. All applicable laws and regulations relating to hazardous materials, chemicals, and substances must be strictly adhered to.
The supplier is obliged to comply with substance restrictions and product safety requirements that are stipulated by the applicable laws and regulations. The supplier must ensure that key employees are aware of product safety practices and have been trained/certified accordingly.