Policies And Standards of Conduct
Vinove Kitchenwares Policies and Standards of Conduct have been established in order to make our management principles and management vision a reality and as a basis to guide our activities so that we can operate under the principles of fairness, integrity and transparency, and contribute to the formation of a sustainable society.
Vinove Kitchenwares, Policies and Standard of Conduct, places a greater emphasis on respect for human rights, supply chain management, and compliance awareness and same applies to all directors and employees, including advisors and contract employees.
These Vinove Kitchenwares Standards of Conduct (hereinafter called the "SOC") have thus been established in order to make our management principles and management vision a reality and as a basis to guide our activities so that we can operate under the principles of fairness, integrity and transparency and contribute to the formation of a sustainable society.
Each of the Partners (hereinafter called the "Directors") and employees (hereinafter called the "Employees") of Vinove Kitchenwares should comply with the SOC and strive to operate a High Volume & High Quality business, which emphasizes a balance between the environment, human rights and local communities under the principle of giving the highest priority to life, safety and compliance with laws, regulations, social standards and ethics.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations concerning human rights in India and region within, understand international standards, and respect human rights, and shall not condone use of either child labor or forced labor;
- Take appropriate measures in the event that Vinove Kitchenwares becomes aware of violation of human rights and demand that suppliers redress any violations of human rights; and
- Seek to raise awareness among Suppliers with respect for human rights.
- Accept and accommodate different values, and respect the character and personality of each individual, observe the right to privacy and human rights of each individual; and
- Avoid any violation of human rights based on race, religion, sex, national origin, physical disability, age or sexual orientation, and avoid physical abuse, sexual harassment, power harassment (i.e., bullying or harassment by superiors in the office) or violation of the human rights of others;
- Supply right Quality Products and Services;
- Deliver the Order in Right time , without any delay;
- Respond to requests and consultations from customers in an honest, prompt and appropriate manner; and
- Respect voice of customer and endeavor to develop and improve products and services that satisfy customer needs.
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and practices established by industry and international organizations;
- Provide suppliers (hereinafter including prospective suppliers) with equal opportunities for transactions with Vinove Kitchenwares;
- Conduct procurement in such a manner as to fulfill corporate social responsibilities together with the suppliers; and
- Conduct procurement based on mutual understanding and trust with suppliers.
- Priorities suppliers that:
- Abide by all applicable laws, regulations and social standards, and take seriously human rights, good labor practices, occupational safety and health, and environmental protection;
- Have sound finances;
- Can supply goods and/or services to Vinove Kitchenwares with emphasis on appropriate quality, price and delivery lead-time;
- Can provide a stable supply of goods and/or services as well as flexibly and quickly respond to demand fluctuations;
- Possess machines, technology and expertise that contributes positively to Vinove Kitchenwares products;
- Have a plan to prevent interruptions in the supply of goods and/or services in times of unexpected circumstances that may affect the company and its supply chain; and
- Require their suppliers to observe a procurement policy equivalent to that of Vinove Kitchenwares.
- Prior to procurement of necessary goods and services, undertake a comprehensive and fair evaluation in accordance with the standards set forth below:
- Environmentally friendly;
- Appropriate quality and reasonable and economically rational pricing; and
- Deliver on schedule and with a stable supply;
- Refrain from receiving any personal benefits from suppliers with regard to corporate procurement, and fulfill contractual obligations to suppliers in good faith, ensuring that all transactions fully comply with ethically sound commercial practices and with all applicable laws and regulations to protect suppliers; and
- Ensure that all purchases are authorized by the relevant purchasing, procurement or subcontractor departments in accordance with Vinove Kitchenwares internal regulations.
- Observe all applicable laws and regulations, as well as contracts related to production, technology and quality assurance; and
- Promote constant technological innovation and product improvement and strive to supply safe, reliable and high quality products and services that meet customers' needs and incorporate the most advanced technologies.
- Assure the fulfillment of Quality commitments giving priority to customer satisfaction, and ensuring the safety of products thru proper packaging & Handeling;
- Promote the research and development of advanced technologies, products and services, and the continuous improvement of technology infrastructure; maintain basic technological and functional infrastructure so as to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to changes in the technological environment and to develop products and services that effectively utilize advanced technologies; and
- In case Directors or Employees obtain information regarding an accidents involving any product or service, or the safety of any product or service, verify such information instantly and take appropriate measures in accordance with all applicable laws and internal regulations, including information provision, product reworking, and warning notices and labeling.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations (including prohibitions on commercial bribery and kickbacks) and conduct fair marketing and sales activities in accordance with proper corporate ethics; and
- Deliver superior Quality products and services that satisfy customer needs and requirements.
- Follow sound and fair business practices in all dealings with customers;
- Promote marketing and sales that comply with all applicable laws and regulations (including prohibitions on commercial bribery and kickbacks), observe sound business practices and respect socially accepted ideas; and
- Endeavor to understand customer needs from their perspective and deliver optimal products and services
- Observe all applicable laws and regulations, and lawful business practices, prohibit illegal or improper payments against lawful business practices; and
- Not provide any illegitimate benefits or favors to any politicians or political organizations.
- Neither make nor offer, either directly or indirectly, any payment or anything of value, whether in the form of compensation, business entertainment, gift, contribution, gratuity, or other form, that is illegal or prohibited by any applicable law or regulation, in any dealings with any government agencies, their officials, or members of any political party (including holders of a political office or candidates for such office) (except for cases that do not violate applicable laws or regulations and are considered socially acceptable), and shall not engage in sales transactions, loan transactions and the like (including guarantee transactions) that are not at arm's length;
- Not pay monies or offer benefits to any Client, politicians (including former members of any legislative body, or current or former secretaries of any such politicians) or any company a politician may be involved with, regardless of the form such monies or benefits take (for example "commissions" or "consulting fees"), in connection with marketing toward governmental agencies;
- Refrain from offering cash or other benefits to representatives of foreign clients as a means to gain unlawful benefits or profits when conducting international business transactions;
- Not allow third parties including intermediaries, such as distributors or agents, to engage in any activities described in paragraphs 1 to 3 above;
- Ensure that reasonable compensation and all necessary terms and conditions are specified in advance when working with intermediaries, such as distributors or agents, and observe all measures required by all applicable laws and regulations of each country or region for such compensation;
- Not make contributions to political parties or committees, unless permitted to do so by applicable laws, regulations, and company rules; and
- Respect the established practices of any customer, government entity or other party, as well as all applicable laws and regulations, regarding the provision of or the restrictions or controls over the acceptance of business entertainment, gifts or other business courtesies by its employees or officials.
- Strive to promote a sustainable environment with the recognition that the Earth is an irreplaceable asset and that there is a collective obligation to leave it to future generations in a sound state;
- Comply with all applicable international, regional and national standards, laws, regulations, agreements, industry guidelines and company rules related to the environment;
- Contribute to society by developing and offering excellent products that incorporate technologies for environmental protection; and
- Strive to reduce the environmental impact of business activities.
- Endeavor to do research and development activities and product manufacturing that reduce the impact on the environment, and also work proactively to maximize the efficient use of energy, reduce the use of natural resources and recycle in the course of all business activities in order to prevent global warming and efficiently use resources;
- Continually improve environmental activities by implementing action plans from both short-term and long-term perspectives through daily operations;
- Conduct periodic measurements and inspections and maintain records accordingly. When there is an irregularity, promptly take corrective and preventive measures;
- Perform timely and appropriate environmental impact assessments during the planning of new plants and plant relocations, investment in production facilities, product planning and design and the purchase of new parts, components or materials;
- Try to avoid the use or emission of any substance that, although not prohibited by applicable laws or regulations, is recognized as a threat to the environment by the government or public environmental authority of any country or region in which Vinove Kitchenwares operates. If such a substance should be used by Vinove Kitchenwares Companies, for whatever reason, every effort shall be made to minimize its environmental impact through application of the best available technology and know-how;
- Try to maintain good and open communication channels for disclosure of sufficient information regarding our environmental activities; and
- Pay due consideration to environmental issues in every-day life, including global warming, and actively participating in environmental activities of local communities.
- Refrain from any transactions that may undermine the maintenance of global peace and security;
- Comply with all applicable export laws and regulations in each country and region of operation;
- Prepare and implement export control compliance programs (hereinafter called the "Export Control Programs") that stipulate corporate policies and procedures for assuring compliance with the foregoing laws and regulations.
- Refrain from any transactions that may undermine the maintenance of global peace and security or any product that may violate the following laws and regulations. Comply all applicable export control laws and regulations in each of the countries and regions where Vinove Kitchenwares exports or operates;
- Assure strict management of transactions from the initial inquiry through the delivery of products and services by observing detailed procedures for control of transactions stipulated in the Export Control Program; and
- Refuse participation or contributions by antisocial groups in our business activities, and not promote their activities(Note2) ;
- Refuse any unjustifiable demand (Note3) decisively and unequivocally; and
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing money laundering (concealing the origins of money obtained illegally).
- Refuse participation or contributions by antisocial groups in our business activities, and not promote their activities(Note2) ;
- Refuse any unjustifiable demand (Note3) decisively and unequivocally; and
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing money laundering (concealing the origins of money obtained illegally).
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations associated with patent law, copyright law and other intellectual property rights (Note) laws; and
- Protect the results of intellectual activities with intellectual property rights, make extensive use of those rights, and respect the legitimate intellectual property rights of third parties.
- Proactively acquire and utilize intellectual property rights in order to strengthen business competitiveness;
- Understand and observe company rules providing that intellectual property rights in any invention, utility model, design for or actual work, such as mask work (i.e., Existing Customer & potential customer, designs developed or under process by anyone during the period of his or her services for or employment by a Vinove Kitchenwares Company, and the ability to apply for such rights, belong to the Vinove Kitchenwares Company;
- Adequately maintain intellectual property rights and take appropriate measures against infringement of these rights by a third party; and
- Respect and take due care of the legitimate intellectual property rights of third parties.
- Maintain proper and timely accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
- Promote the prompt release of accurate accounts; and
- Endeavor to maintain and improve the accounting management system, and establish and implement internal control procedures for financial reporting.
- Endeavor to obtain the understanding of Director's, Employee's and the local community, with respect to corporate activities, products and services, and further improve public recognition of Vinove Kitchenwares and its corporate image by means of positive and timely corporate communications activities on business information (Note), such as corporate strategy and financial data; and
- Ensure that management policies are well communicated within the company, and promote information sharing as a means of raising morale and creating a sense of unity.
- Conduct corporate communications with integrity on the basis of objective facts;
- Conduct corporate communications by appropriate means, to enable customers, potential customers and the members of the community of each country or region to obtain a reasonable understanding of Vinove Kitchenwares's activities; and
- Obtain prior consent from the persons responsible for corporate communications before disclosing business information to analysts and to the applicable government department.
- Use advertising activities to increase public awareness of the Vinove & Cusinier brand and public awareness of, and trust in, Vinove Kitchenwares; and
- Seek heightened awareness of Vinove Kitchenwares as a global company and a "good corporate citizen" at national and regional levels.
- Increase public trust in the Vinove & Cusinier brand and acquire the good will and trust of the people in each of the countries or regions in which Vinove Kitchenwares operates, thereby creating an environment whereby sustained business development and sales promotion activities may be achieved;
- Not use advertising to cast third parties in a negative light in an attempt to make Vinove Kitchenwares appear more favorable, or for any other negative purpose; and
- Not make reference to politics or religion in advertising, cause offense or show disrespect by implying discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, physical disability, age or sexual orientation.
- Develop a working environment where Employees may perform their duties creatively and efficiently so that they may achieve a work/life balance (i.e., balance between work and home); and
- Endeavor to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for Employees.
- Accomplish their tasks to the utmost of their abilities, in light of their authority and the responsibilities assigned to them by the company, and endeavor to learn continuously and to improve their own abilities;
- Realize employees' work/life balance through various ways of working so that they can maximize their capabilities to the fullest extent;
- Cultivate a workplace environment that encourages the development of open-minded, cooperative and orderly work activities; and
- Maintain safety, cleanliness and good order in the workplace and endeavor to prevent industrial accidents, and try to maintain good health.
- Properly manage and protect corporate information (Note)(hereinafter including the Vinove & Cusinier brand and other intangible assets);
- Respect proprietary information and maintain corporate information as confidential, and prohibit disclosure or improper use of corporate information; and
- Strive to prevent information security incidents, and take recovery and corrective measures immediately in the event of an incident.
- Not disclose or divulge corporate information, either during or after employment, without following appropriate internal procedures;
- Not use corporate information or company assets to benefit themselves or any third party, to harm the interests of Vinove Kitchenwares, or for any other improper use, either during or after employment;
- Not disclose or divulge to the company any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any third party acquired prior to their employment in violation of their obligations to such third parties, including inter alia, former employees and clients;
- Protect any personal data, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and company rules, including observance of lawful and appropriate procedures for obtaining and maintaining personal data, and use personal data only for appropriate purposes;
- Observe information security regulations, and endeavor to protect corporate information and use corporate information only in a proper manner;
- Not to use any company-owned data, equipment or services for any personal purposes;
- Not hurt the informational interests of third parties, such as accessing third party information without authorizations; and
- Properly manage company assets (hereinafter including the Vinove & Cusinier brand and other intangible assets); and
- Always act in the best interest of the company.
- Refrain from diverting or appropriating company assets for personal use and endeavor to maintain company assets;
- Refrain from making improper use of company equipment and facilities;
- Not make unauthorized use of their position or authority within the company to benefit themselves or any third party or to impair the credibility or brand name of the company; and
- Avoid business relationships with customers, suppliers, and competitors of the company that would pose a conflict of interest.
- Contribute to and cooperate with all local communities in which Vinove Kitchenwares operates in order to perform its duties as a member of these communities and engage;
- Support Directors and Employees in undertaking voluntary activities and give full consideration to each individual's desire to exercise his or her civil rights;
- Make appropriate donations in each country and region where Vinove Kitchenwares operates, after considering the contribution to the community, the public nature and the reasons for making donations; and
- Try to improve the brand image in all aspects of their relationships with the communities.
- Assure that Vinove Kitchenwares undertake all activities in harmony with the community, by respecting the local culture and community traditions and customs;
- Actively participate in developing communication with the local community, to encourage and maintain mutual respect and understanding;
- Actively participate in community social and voluntary activities;
- Act responsibly and with integrity as a member of society; and
- Aspire to exhibit honestly and integrity in words and actions with an awareness of being member of Vinove Kitchenwares, whether at the workplace, in public places, or online.
- These SOC shall, on their adoption by each Vinove Kitchenwares Company by resolution of the directors or other appropriate corporate actions, apply to all Directors and Employees, including advisors and contract employees;
- The SOC does not state or establish legal obligations on the part of the Vinove Kitchenwares and does not create any legal rights or claims on the part of any person. Instead, the SOC sets forth the values of the Vinove Kitchenwares and the expectations that the Vinove Kitchenwares has for its Directors and Employees. In many instances, these values and expectations exceed applicable legal obligations.
- Vinove Kitchenwares shall appoint "Chief Implementation Administrator" to assume overall responsibility for implementation of the SOC. The Chief Implementation Administrator of Vinove Kitchenwares shall be the Chief Risk-Compliance Management Officer;
- Each Chief Implementation Administrator may appoint, as necessary, "Implementation Administrators," who shall be responsible for the implementation of each article of the SOC. Within Vinove Kitchenwares, the General Manager of each staff division shall assume the role of Implementation Administrator. In this capacity, they are responsible for implementation of the SOC in their divisions and also for guiding implementation in Vinove Kitchenwares for which they are responsible;
- The corporate staff division of each Vinove Kitchenwares Company in charge of any of the items of these SOC shall formulate relevant rules or compliance programs and shall support that Vinove Kitchenwares Company's Implementation Administrators and any related companies by providing information and advice on formulating implementation rules and on developing educational programs;
- Vinove Kitchenwares Corporate & Marketing Representatives responsible for overseas business in their respective regions shall guide, support and cooperate with Vinove Kitchenwares Companies' overseas offices and subsidiaries in implementing the SOC in the businesses for which they are responsible; and
- CSR department and legal department shall be the bodies responsible for the maintenance of the SOC and the promotion and support for the adoption and implementation of the SOC by the Vinove Kitchenwares.
- Vinove Kitchenwares shall establish an in-house information reporting system to ensure that Vinove Kitchenwares Directors and Employees are able to report Risk Compliance Information (Note) directly to Chief Implementation Administrators or the division responsible for risk-compliance matters;
- Directors and Employees of each Vinove Kitchenwares Company are to report any Risk Compliance Information they have to their supervisors immediately or provide such information using the in-house information reporting system;
- The Chief Implementation Administrators, the divisions responsible for risk-compliance matters and supervisors who receive Risk Compliance Information must respond and act promptly and appropriately; and
- Directors and Employees who provide Risk Compliance Information for good reason and in good faith must not be treated disadvantageously on the grounds that they provided such information.