Introduction
At Seaoptic AS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and responsible business practices. Our success is not only measured by financial performance but also by our contributions to a just and sustainable world. To this end, we have established this Code of Conduct to guide our actions and decisions. We are dedicated to the principles of human rights, workers' rights, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption.
General Principles
In our pursuit of ethically conducting business, we have based our practice on guidelines from the following:
UNs Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
UNs Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Norwegian Working Environment Act
We expect our suppliers and customers to uphold the same standards as a minimum.
1. Human Rights
Seaoptic and its suppliers respect and support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by UN and will not engage in any activities that violate these fundamental principles.
Discrimination and harassment in any form are strictly prohibited. We foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
We do not tolerate child labor, forced labor, or any form of human trafficking in our operations or supply chain. We respect the right to privacy and the confidentiality of personal information.
2. Workers' Rights
Seaoptic and its suppliers provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours for all our employees. We support the rights of our employees to organize, join labor unions, and engage in collective bargaining. The working environment shall be safe and hygienic.
3. Environmental Responsibility
Seaoptic and its suppliers are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and minimizing our impact on the environment.
We shall comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
We strive to conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations.
We are committed to sourcing materials and products in an environmentally responsible manner.
Seaoptic does not accept hazardous substances in products according to our material declaration.
Seaoptic and its suppliers must take appropriate steps to minimize the consumption of natural resources like materials, energy and water. Likewise, systematically approaching waste management in regard to identifying, reducing, recycling and disposing of waste.
We encourage to repair products before replacing.
4. Anti-Corruption
Seaoptic and its suppliers maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all our business dealings.
Bribery, corruption, and other unethical practices are strictly prohibited.
We maintain accurate records and financial transparency.
We do not participate in any form of money laundering or fraudulent financial activities.
We report any suspected or observed unethical behavior to the appropriate authorities.
5. Sanctions
Seaoptic and its suppliers shatt not work with parties that operate in countries subject to international boycott or sanctions the United Nations.
6. Supplier´s Commitment:
Seaoptic AS is committed to working with suppliers who share our values and commitment to ethical, responsible, and sustainable business practices.
We expect our suppliers to adhere to the same high standards outlined in this Code of Conduct and to comply with all applicable national and international laws and standards.
Notably, we emphasize the importance of compliance with the Norwegian Transparency Act, which entered into force on 1 July 2022, and we also expect suppliers to respect internationally recognized human rights.
Suppliers shall conduct their business consistently with the United Nations International Bill of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Suppliers must be able to document their compliance with the Code of Conduct and these international human rights principles at Seaoptic AS' request.
We encourage our suppliers to proactively implement and maintain their own ethical, social, and environmental responsibility policies and practices.
Our supplier relationships will be based on trust, transparency, and shared principles. We expect open communication and cooperation in achieving our common goals.
To assess compliance with the Code of Conduct, Seaoptic may conduct on-site audits of suppliers and their production sites. The supplier shall demonstrate compliance and shall be able to provide reasonable information when requested.
Seaoptic AS is dedicated to supporting and collaborating with suppliers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding human rights, workers' rights, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption measures, in accordance with all relevant laws, standards, and international human rights principles.
Seaoptic may terminate contracts and business relationships, if the supplier remains unable to remedy violations of this code of conduct
Compliance and Reporting
All employees and stakeholders are responsible for upholding this Seaoptic AS Code of Conduct.
Violations of this Code will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of employment or business relationships.
If you are aware of any severe violations of this Code, please report them to us.
Conclusion
At Seaoptic AS, we believe that responsible business conduct is the key to long-term success. We are dedicated to promoting human rights, workers' rights, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption measures in all aspects of our operations. Together, we can build a better and more ethical world.
This code of conduct applies to Seaoptic and its suppliers, including contractors, agents and consultants.