Costco has taken significant steps to ensure that its global supply chain operates in an ethical manner. A crucial aspect of their social compliance program is the Vendor Code of Conduct. All of Costco’s vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors must adhere to this Code in order to maintain business relationships with the retailing giant.
As compliance experts, InTouch offers a wide range of services to ensure that your suppliers will meet the strict standards laid out by Costco in their Vendor Code of Conduct. InTouch compliance auditors will evaluate your suppliers with the same scrutiny as Costco’s own audits would. InTouch can then set to work coordinating with your supplier to rectify issues of social compliance in areas such as:
Like many other retailers, maintains a strict zero tolerance policy towards the use of child and compulsory labor in the manufacturing of their products. In addition employees must be compensated at least in accordance with local minimum wage and benefits laws, and receive a contractual agreement in their native language that includes all necessary terms of employment. Thorough documentation audits as well as personal interviews with employees allow InTouch compliance auditors to determine that the employment conditions present at your supplier adhere to the Costco Vendor Code of Conduct.
Costco’s Vendor Code of conduct mandates an emphasis on the health and safety standards implemented in both the production and dormitory facilities of all of its suppliers and subcontractors. These standards include but are not limited to: trained first-aid personnel on-site, easily accessible exit doors and stairways, adequate ventilation and lighting, personal protective gear, access to clean toilet and hand-washing facilities, and access to potable water. Through comprehensive factory audits, InTouch compliance auditors can determine the availability and maintenance of these facilities and procedures.
While much of Costco’s social compliance program is focused on maintaining the employment and living standards of their suppliers’ employees, the Vendor Code of Conduct does make special provisions for sustainability. In order to remain in good standing with Costco, suppliers and subcontractors are required to dispose of hazardous manufacturing byproducts in accordance with the applicable local laws and must meet or exceed all wastewater treatment and recycling requirements.
In addition, vendors are prohibited from using any ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs). Factory audits as well as chemical documentation reviews will allow InTouch compliance auditors to determine the procedures in place at your supplier for the disposal of hazardous waste. In the event that unsustainable practices are in place, InTouch can work with you supplier to implement best practices in chemical disposal.
You guys are quite efficient in making sure that you are in constant communication with our vendors to set up a time and day to have inspections handled... InTouch definitely pushed to make sure that inspections would be done in a timely manner. Any corrective actions that had to take place were executed well before the exit factory date.
Ron Eclarinal
Director of Production, Betabrand
Since InTouch does a more detailed inspection than what we had depended on with the factories, the quality of the products has improved. Where before when we might find 25 AQL defects, now it's down to three or four,because the factory knows that we want that cut back and InTouch is going to find it.
Deb Choate
Administrative Assistant, Linstol
InTouch’s auditing reduced the level of risk, whether known or unknown, to our company. From the audit findings provided by InTouch, we were much more equipped to make the correct business decision with regard to an acceptable level of risk. The InTouch audit secured our decision making process.
Jerry Davis
Vice President of Purchasing, MJS Packaging
One of our customers had been through multiple suppliers year after year and had been let down with returns and rejections. With InTouch as our eyes and ears on the ground, we retained that business for 5 years without one single rejection or complaint.
Nick Rivera
Director of Operations, MMI Textiles
The speed that we get the reports is always good. We had an experience with some other inspectors where we had to wait an extra day to get the reports. Getting the report as soon as we can is very important, so we can make a decision and give feedback back to the factory.
Denis O'Mahony
Operations and Engineering Manager, Juku Gear
From beginning to end, InTouch is so easy to work with. The inspection report is literally there the next morning when I come into work. It really makes my job easier.
Nicole Thoma
Inside Sales Specialist, MJS Packaging
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