Supplier Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Swagelok Helsinki Suppliers

This Supplier Code of Conduct of Swagelok Helsinki outlines the ethical, legal, environmental, and business standards we expect from all our suppliers and their subcontractors. A reliable and responsible supply chain is essential to our operations. Meeting the expectations outlined in this Code is a key requirement for working with us.

Please read this Supplier Code of Conduct carefully. At the end of the page, please confirm your organization's commitment to these principles by providing your email address and submitting the form.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Suppliers must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations in every country where they operate, produce goods, or deliver products. This includes, but is not limited to, rules related to product safety, labor rights, workplace health and safety, customs requirements, and international trade laws.

It is essential that all necessary certifications, licenses, and permits are obtained and kept up to date, especially for products that require specific technical, electrical, or chemical compliance. Suppliers should regularly review legal requirements to ensure they remain compliant with any changes in legislation or standards.

In addition to legal compliance, suppliers are expected to establish internal processes and controls to monitor adherence to these laws consistently. This helps prevent violations that could lead to legal penalties, harm to workers, or damage to the environment.

By respecting and following all relevant regulations, suppliers contribute to a responsible and trustworthy supply chain that supports both our company’s values and the expectations of customers, regulators, and the wider community.

Respect for Human Rights and Fair Labor

We expect our suppliers to fully respect human rights and ensure that all employees work in conditions that are fair, lawful, and safe. Employment must always be voluntary; any form of forced labor, bonded labor, or involuntary work is strictly prohibited. It is essential that workers have freely chosen their employment without being forced or pressured in any way.

Suppliers must comply with legal minimum age requirements, ensuring that no child labor is used at any stage of production. Additionally, workers should only be assigned tasks that are safe and appropriate for their age and physical capabilities. Any form of exploitation, abuse, or hazardous work for underage workers is unacceptable.

Fair compensation is a key element of decent work. Suppliers must provide conditions that meet or exceed local legal requirements. Working hours should comply with national laws and regulations, including proper rest periods and overtime pay.

We require all employees to be treated with dignity and respect, without discrimination or harassment based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or any other protected characteristic. Equal opportunities and fair treatment must be guaranteed in hiring, promotion, compensation, and daily workplace interactions.

Furthermore, employees must have the right to freely associate, join labor unions, or participate in workers’ organizations of their choice. Suppliers must ensure that workers can exercise these rights without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or discrimination. Encouraging open communication and dialogue between workers and management helps promote a healthy, respectful workplace culture.

By upholding these principles, suppliers contribute to ethical business practices and support the well-being and dignity of all individuals in their workforce.

Health and Safety in the Workplace

Suppliers are responsible for maintaining safe and healthy working environments. This includes putting effective health and safety measures in place, providing proper training, and offering necessary protective equipment. Facilities must be clean, well-ventilated, and equipped with clearly marked emergency exits, fire safety tools, and first-aid supplies. Employees should be trained on emergency procedures and have access to safe and sanitary facilities.

Suppliers are also expected to regularly assess workplace risks and take appropriate actions to eliminate or minimize hazards. This includes implementing incident reporting systems, conducting routine safety inspections, and updating safety protocols as needed. Particular attention should be given to high-risk areas such as the handling of machinery, chemicals, or electrical equipment.

In addition, suppliers should promote a safety-first culture by encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. Open communication between management and employees on health and safety matters is essential for building trust and ensuring long-term well-being. Mental health and ergonomic considerations should also be considered, especially in environments involving repetitive tasks, extended hours, or high-stress conditions.

By prioritizing the physical and mental safety of their workforce, suppliers help ensure a stable, efficient, and ethically responsible supply chain.

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is a key part of our supplier requirements. Suppliers must follow all relevant environmental regulations and strive to minimize waste, reduce emissions, and use resources efficiently. Hazardous substances must be stored, handled, and disposed of in line with safety and environmental standards. We also encourage the use of recyclable materials and more sustainable practices wherever possible.

Suppliers should actively monitor the environmental impact of their operations and seek continuous improvement in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, packaging reduction, and sustainable sourcing. Where feasible, suppliers are expected to set environmental performance goals, track progress, and be transparent about their efforts through reporting or certifications (e.g., ISO 14001).

We also value collaboration on sustainability. Suppliers who innovate in eco-friendly production methods, invest in green technologies, or engage in environmental initiatives are viewed as strategic partners in our long-term vision. Consideration should be given not only to a product’s lifecycle impact, but also to how upstream and downstream processes affect the environment.

By integrating environmental responsibility into daily operations, suppliers contribute to a more sustainable future while also meeting the expectations of customers, regulators, and society at large.

Business Integrity and Transparency

We expect all suppliers to conduct business with integrity and transparency. Bribery, corruption, or any form of unethical behaviour is not tolerated. Suppliers must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any situation that could compromise objective business decisions. All documents and records such as product certifications, invoices, and test reports must be accurate and truthful. Confidential information shared with suppliers must be protected and not misused.

Suppliers should implement internal controls and compliance procedures to detect and prevent unethical conduct within their operations. This includes establishing clear codes of ethics, providing employee training on anti-corruption practices, and creating safe channels for reporting misconduct. Suppliers are also encouraged to carry out regular internal reviews or audits to ensure ongoing compliance with ethical standards.

Transparency extends beyond documentation; it includes open and honest communication. We value partners who are forthcoming about challenges, potential risks, or mistakes, and who take responsibility when corrective action is needed. Proactive communication strengthens trust and helps prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.

We also expect suppliers to extend these principles throughout their own supply chains, holding subcontractors and partners to similar standards. By fostering a culture of honesty and accountability, suppliers help build a foundation for long-term, mutually respectful business relationships.

Product Quality and Reliability

The quality and reliability of the components we source are crucial to the performance, safety, and reputation of our products and services. Suppliers must consistently meet the agreed-upon technical specifications and adhere to recognized industry quality standards. This includes applying effective quality control processes at all stages of production, from raw material selection to final inspection and packaging.

Products must be subject to appropriate testing and validation to ensure they perform as expected under normal and defined operating conditions. Any deviation from specifications, suspected safety risks, or compliance issues must be communicated to us immediately. Timely and transparent reporting allows for faster resolution and minimizes potential disruptions.

Suppliers must also maintain clear traceability throughout their supply chain, especially for items used in critical, safety-sensitive, or regulated applications. Documentation related to materials, production batches, inspections, and certifications should be complete and available upon request.

In the event of a defect or failure, suppliers are expected to cooperate fully in root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence. A continuous improvement mindset is highly valued; suppliers who actively monitor performance, collect feedback, and seek ways to enhance product quality help strengthen the overall reliability of our supply chain.

Furthermore, we encourage suppliers to obtain and maintain relevant quality certifications, such as ISO 9001, and to engage in regular internal audits to verify ongoing compliance with quality management best practices.

Monitoring and Accountability

To support compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct, we may from time to time request additional information, documentation, or agree on audit and assessment visits to supplier facilities. These assessments may include reviews of records, discussions with personnel, and evaluations of working conditions, processes, or products. Suppliers are expected to provide accurate information and participate in these assessments in an open and constructive manner.

Audits and assessments are not only tools for verifying compliance but also opportunities to strengthen mutual understanding, identify areas for improvement, and support suppliers in achieving higher standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. We encourage open dialogue throughout these activities, as transparency and collaboration are key to building long-term business relationships.

If any gaps, non-conformities, or violations are identified, we will generally request a corrective action plan with clear responsibilities and timelines. Suppliers are expected to take appropriate action in a timely manner and demonstrate commitment to resolving issues responsibly and sustainably. Follow-up assessments may be conducted, where appropriate, to review progress and the effectiveness of corrective actions.

In more serious cases, such as repeated non-compliance, lack of cooperation, or significant violations related to human rights, safety, environmental responsibility, or legal obligations, we may review the continuation of the supplier relationship and take appropriate actions as necessary.

We also encourage suppliers to promote these principles throughout their own supply chains by monitoring subcontractors and working with business partners to support responsible, safe, and ethical practices at all levels of production and delivery.

Raising Concerns

We encourage our suppliers to raise concerns and report any suspected violations or issues related to this Code of Conduct. Whether it involves ethical breaches, safety risks, environmental issues, or other non-compliance, addressing these matters promptly helps protect people, maintain trust, and improve our shared operations.

Suppliers are encouraged to confidentially raise any concerns through designated channels, with guarantees that their identity and information will be protected. We handle all reports with the highest level of seriousness and are dedicated to conducting thorough and fair investigations into every claim.

Furthermore, we encourage suppliers to cultivate a similar culture of openness and accountability within their own organizations, empowering employees and subcontractors to raise concerns with confidence. By collaborating transparently, we can identify potential issues early and build a stronger, more responsible supply chain.