Last updated: December 2, 2024

This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines Neology’s standards for ethical behavior, compliance, and social responsibility required of all suppliers within our value chain. These guidelines promote respect, integrity, and accountability in all business interactions, fostering a sustainable, safe, and fair global community that aligns with Neology’s values.

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards in each country where they conduct business. This includes adherence to labor laws, environmental practices, health and safety standards, and ethical business conduct.

  • Legal Compliance: Suppliers must meet and maintain compliance with applicable laws, including but not limited to minimum wage standards, workplace safety regulations, environmental standards, and anti-corruption laws.
  • Transparency: Suppliers are expected to accurately document their compliance efforts and make records available to Neology for verification as requested.

2. Labor Standards

Suppliers must ensure fair treatment of employees, respect for human rights, and a commitment to a safe and ethical workplace.

  • Wages and Benefits: Suppliers must provide at least the local minimum wage, pay promptly, and offer all legally mandated benefits. Overtime must comply with local laws, and compensation should be clearly communicated to employees.
  • Working Hours: Suppliers must follow local regulations on working hours and provide employees with at least one rest day per week, barring exceptional situations that comply with legal requirements.
  • Health and Safety: Suppliers must ensure a safe, clean work environment compliant with health and safety laws. Preventive measures, training, and protective equipment should be provided to all employees.
  • No Child or Forced Labor: Suppliers are prohibited from employing individuals under the legal working age and from using any form of forced labor. Employment must be voluntary, and workers must be free to leave as permitted by law.

3. Human Rights and Respectful Treatment

Neology upholds respect for human rights and requires that suppliers do the same.

  • Non-Discrimination: Employment decisions must be based solely on job qualifications and performance. Discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, age, disability, or any other protected status is strictly prohibited.
  • Harassment-Free Workplace: Suppliers must foster a workplace free from harassment, abuse, or coercion, with clear policies for reporting and addressing incidents.
  • Gender Equality: Suppliers must ensure gender equality in wages, working hours, and benefits, with no employment conditions based on pregnancy status or requiring pregnancy testing.
  • Freedom of Association: Suppliers must respect employees’ rights to join labor unions, engage in collective bargaining, and otherwise assemble as allowed by law.

4. Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers are expected to operate sustainably, minimizing their environmental impact and promoting environmental responsibility.

  • Environmental Compliance: Suppliers must follow relevant environmental laws and manage emissions, waste, and resources responsibly.
  • Resource Efficiency: Suppliers should minimize resource use, reduce waste, and promote recycling to limit environmental impact.
  • Environmental Management Systems: Where applicable, suppliers should use Environmental Management Systems to monitor and improve environmental performance.

5. Ethical Business Conduct

Neology requires all suppliers to conduct business with integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior.

  • Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption: Suppliers must comply with anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, prohibiting bribery, extortion, and embezzlement.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Suppliers must avoid conflicts of interest that compromise their business decisions and disclose any that may arise.
  • Fair Competition: Suppliers must operate in line with fair competition laws and avoid anti-competitive practices.
  • Subcontracting: Suppliers must ensure that subcontractors and third-party entities also adhere to this Code of Conduct.

6. Supplier Engagement and Compliance Monitoring

Neology engages with suppliers to ensure compliance through communication, documentation, and assessments.

  • Communication: Suppliers are responsible for communicating this Code to employees and contractors, with training encouraged to promote adherence.
  • Documentation and Records: Suppliers must maintain accurate records of compliance efforts, including labor, environmental, and health and safety practices.
  • Audits and Assessments: Neology may conduct audits to confirm compliance. Suppliers must grant access to facilities, documentation, and personnel as necessary.
  • Corrective Actions: Suppliers must address any non-compliance promptly and cooperate in follow-up assessments to confirm corrective measures.

7. Additional Standards

Warranty and Product Compliance: Suppliers must ensure that all products and services provided to Neology are free from defects, meet quality standards, and comply with all applicable regulations. A warranty period of twenty-four (24) months from delivery applies, during which suppliers are responsible for repairs or replacements of defective products at their expense.

Indemnification and Liability: Suppliers shall indemnify and hold Neology harmless against claims, damages, and expenses arising from product defects, intellectual property issues, or legal violations. Neology may cancel orders if a supplier’s actions jeopardize its reputation or compliance.

Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Protection: Suppliers must keep all proprietary information from Neology confidential for at least five years (or perpetually for trade secrets). Unauthorized use or disclosure of intellectual property or confidential information is prohibited.

Force Majeure Notification and Cooperation: Suppliers must notify Neology of unforeseen delays and work collaboratively to minimize disruption. Neology reserves the right to terminate agreements if delays exceed sixty days.

Compliance with Trade and Regulatory Standards: Suppliers must follow all applicable international, federal, and local regulations, including trade, export/import controls, and anti-corruption laws. Proof of compliance may be requested, and non-compliance may result in contract termination.

Product Discontinuation Notice: Suppliers must provide Neology with at least six months’ written notice before discontinuing the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any products previously purchased by Neology. This allows Neology to submit necessary final orders. Suppliers remain responsible for all obligations related to prior orders of discontinued products.

Documentation and Audits: Suppliers must maintain accurate records demonstrating compliance with this Code and all relevant regulations. Neology reserves the right to conduct periodic audits, and suppliers shall fully cooperate in these assessments, remedying any non-compliance promptly.

8. Conclusion

Neology values long-term relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Compliance with this Code is required to maintain a business relationship with Neology. By upholding these standards, suppliers contribute to responsible and sustainable business practices that positively impact society and the environment.

9. Reporting Concerns

If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation of this Code, please contact the Neology Helpline at 844-233-8723 or report online at Neology Helpline.

If you have any questions about this Policy, you can contact us:

  • By mail: 1917 Palomar Oaks Way Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • By electronic mail: info@neology.net