Examples & sample clauses

Supplier Code of Conduct Examples

Need wording for a supplier code of conduct? Below are sample clauses for each core section that you can adapt for your own suppliers. For the full structure, see our supplier code of conduct template, or have a tailored version done for you.

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Key takeaways

  • A supplier code of conduct should cover labour, modern slavery, health & safety, ethics and the environment.
  • Sample clauses are a starting point, tailor them to your industry and risk profile.
  • Pair the code with written supplier acknowledgement to make it enforceable.
  • A supplier code supports your own modern slavery statement.

Sample clauses by section

Labour & human rights

"Suppliers must ensure all work is voluntary, pay at least the legal minimum wage, comply with working-hour laws, and respect workers' freedom of association."

Modern slavery

"Suppliers must not engage in or support any form of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking or child labour, and must take reasonable steps to ensure the same of their own suppliers."

Health & safety

"Suppliers must provide a safe working environment that complies with applicable work health and safety laws and report serious incidents promptly."

Business ethics

"Suppliers must not offer, give or accept bribes or improper payments, and must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest."

Environment

"Suppliers must comply with environmental laws, manage waste responsibly, and work to reduce their environmental impact."

Get the supplier code of conduct sample

Enter your email and we'll send you a complete, editable supplier code of conduct sample you can adapt.

Using these examples

Combine the clauses above under the full template structure, add an introduction and a sign-off line, and require suppliers to acknowledge it at onboarding. Keep the language plain so suppliers of any size can comply.

Free sample vs done-for-you document

Adapting the sample clauses yourself is free if you have the time. A done-for-you supplier code is tailored to your business and supply chain, and ready to issue to suppliers.

Free sampleDone-for-you document
CostFreeFixed fee
Effort from youA couple of hoursA short intake form
Tailored to your supply chainYou write it inDone for you
Professional formattingYour responsibilityYes, ready to issue
If it needs changesYou redo itWe revise it free

Prefer your supplier code of conduct done for you?

Tell us about your business and supply chain and we'll prepare a tailored supplier code of conduct, ready to issue to suppliers and reference in your contracts.

Requests for the supplier code of conduct are reviewed and prepared manually, we'll follow up by email.

Frequently asked questions

Can I copy these supplier code of conduct examples?+
Use them as a starting point and tailor them to your industry and risk profile. Generic codes are less effective and easier for auditors to dismiss.
What should a supplier code of conduct cover?+
At minimum: labour and human rights, modern slavery, health and safety, business ethics, and the environment, plus a compliance and acknowledgement section.
How do I make the code enforceable?+
Require written acknowledgement at onboarding and reference compliance with the code as a term in your supplier contracts.