Code of Conduct
Doing things right is one of our most important values at Billi Bi . We are clear about what we mean when we talk about doing things right. Not only does it mean that we provide products that are well made, fairly priced and of exceptional quality, but it also means that every step we take in making those products is taken with ethics and integrity in mind. We source material only from suppliers who have impeccable human rights records, ensure our supply chain is of high integrity and monitor our entire operation for compliance with our code of conduct.
Billi Bi is committed to making better choices every day across the business to minimise our social and environmental impact. We see this as our moral obligation. Thank you for upholding our values and helping us to be the best supplier we can be.
At Billi Bi , we are committed to:
•A standard of excellence in every aspect of our business and throughout the supply chain;
•Ethical and responsible conduct in all of our operations;
•Respect for the rights of all individuals; and
•Respect for the environment.
We expect these same commitments to be shared by our manufacturers . At a minimum, we require that all our manufacturers meet the following standards:
Child Labor
Manufacturers will not use child labor. The term “child” refers to a person younger than 15 (or 14 where local law allows) or, if higher, the local legal minimum age for employment or the age for completing compulsory education.
Manufacturers employing young persons who do not fall within the definition of “children” will also comply with any laws and regulations applicable to such persons.
Involuntary Labor
Manufacturers will not use any forced or involuntary labor, whether prison, bonded, indentured or otherwise.
Coercion and Harassment
Manufacturers will treat each employee with dignity and respect, and will not use corporal punishment, threats of violence or other forms of physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
Nondiscrimination
Manufacturers will not discriminate in hiring and employment practices, including salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of race, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, political opinion or disability.
Association
Manufacturers will respect the rights of employees to associate, organize and bargain collectively in a lawful and peaceful manner, without penalty or interference.
Health and Safety
Manufacturers will provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring at a minimum reasonable access to potable water and sanitary facilities; fire safety; and adequate lighting and ventilation. Manufacturers will also ensure that the same standards of health and safety are applied in any housing that they provide for employees.
Compensation
We expect manufacturers to recognize that wages are essential to meeting employees’ basic needs. Manufacturers will, at a minimum, comply with all applicable wage and hour laws and regulations, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime, maximum hours, piece rates and other elements of compensation, and provide legally mandated benefits. Except in extraordinary business circumstances, manufacturers will not require employees to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by local law or, where local law does not limit the hours of work, the regular work week plus 12 hours overtime. In addition, except in extraordinary business circumstances, employees will be entitled to at least one day off in every seven-day period. Manufacturers will compensate employees for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required or, if there is no legally prescribed premium rate, at a rate at least equal to the regular hourly compensation rate. Where local industry standards are higher than applicable legal requirements, we expect manufacturers to meet the higher standards.
Bribery and Facilitation Payments
Manufacturers will not attempt to influence the judgement or behavior of a person in a position of trust by paying a bribe or kickback. This applies to persons in government and in private business. Manufacturers are not to permit facilitation (or “grease”) payments to government officials or private business in order to secure or speed up routine actions.
Money Laundering
Manufacturers must comply with anti-money laundering laws. Manufacturers must never knowingly facilitate money laundering or terrorist financing, and must take steps to prevent inadvertent use of the company’s business activities for these purposes
Protection of the Environment
Manufacturers will comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Billi Bi is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner, throughout the supply chain, with sustainable practices and environmental protection.
Other Laws
Manufacturers will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the manufacture, pricing, sale and distribution of merchandise. All references to “applicable laws and regulations” in this Code of Conduct include local and national codes, rules and regulations as well as applicable treaties and voluntary industry standards.
Monitoring and Compliance
Manufacturers will authorize Billi Bi and its designated agents (including third parties) to engage in monitoring activities to confirm compliance with this Code of Conduct, including unannounced on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and employer-provided housing; reviews of books and records relating to employment matters; and private interviews with employees. Manufacturers will maintain on site all documentation that may be needed to demonstrate compliance with this Code of Conduct.
Publication
Manufacturers will take appropriate steps to ensure that the provisions of this Code of Conduct are communicated to employees, including the prominent posting of a copy of this Code of Conduct, in the local language and in a place readily accessible to employees, at all times.