FTJCo Supplier Code of Conduct

Fair Trade Jewellery Co. (FTJCo) is committed to operating ethically and sustainably, in alignment with the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practices (RJC COP) and the values upheld by Certified B Corporations. We expect our suppliers to share this commitment and uphold the following standards in their operations.

 

 

1. Legal and Ethical Compliance

Suppliers must:

  • Comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations.

  • Operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability in all business dealings.

  • Avoid corruption, bribery, and anti-competitive practices.

 

2. Human Rights and Labour Practices

Suppliers must respect and uphold the following:

  • No child labour: Employ no person under the age of 15, or higher if required by local law.

  • No forced labour: Refrain from all forms of forced, bonded, or indentured labour.

  • Non-discrimination: Ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment regardless of race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

  • Freedom of association: Respect the right of workers to freely associate, organize, and bargain collectively.

  • Fair wages and working hours: Provide fair compensation and comply with maximum working hours as established by law or industry standards.

  • Safe working conditions: Ensure a safe and healthy workplace, with appropriate safety protocols, protective equipment, and emergency procedures.

 

3. Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers are expected to:

  • Monitor and minimize environmental impacts, including waste, emissions, and energy use.

  • Source materials responsibly, avoiding materials from protected areas or those associated with conflict or environmental destruction.

  • Promote the use of recycled, certified, or responsibly mined materials in accordance with the RJC and other relevant standards (e.g., SCS Recycled Content Standard, Fairmined).

  • Implement environmental management systems and disclose key environmental data upon request.


4. Product Integrity and Responsible Sourcing

Suppliers must:

  • Ensure materials, especially diamonds, precious metals, and coloured stones, are conflict-free and responsibly sourced in line with RJC Chain-of-Custody standards.

  • Maintain transparent supply chains and provide supporting documentation when requested.

  • Accurately disclose product attributes, origins, and treatments to FTJCo.


5. Business Ethics and Transparency

  • Maintain honest and accurate records of all business activities.

  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

  • Cooperate fully in audits or assessments related to social, environmental, or sourcing practices.


6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Suppliers are encouraged to:

  • Respect the rights, cultures, and interests of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

  • Support economic inclusion by engaging minority- and women-owned enterprises, cooperatives, or social enterprises when possible.

  • Contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.

 

7. Compliance and Monitoring

FTJCo reserves the right to:

  • Conduct audits and assessments of suppliers’ facilities and operations, with or without prior notice.

  • Require corrective action plans if non-compliance is identified.

  • Terminate the business relationship for repeated or severe violations of this Code.