Vendor Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

This Vendor Code of Conduct (“Code”) sets out the ethical, environmental, and operational standards we expect from every Sri Lankan exporter listed on SriLankaExport.com. It supplements the Vendor Agreement and is binding on all Vendors.

The Code mirrors the principles of internationally recognized frameworks such as Sedex SMETA, BSCI, WRAP, and the ILO core conventions, adapted for the Sri Lankan export context.

2. Labour & Human Rights

• No forced labour. All work is voluntary; workers are free to leave on reasonable notice.
• No child labour. Minimum age 16, and 18 for hazardous work, per Sri Lankan law.
• Fair wages. At or above the legally mandated minimum for the industry and region; paid regularly and in full.
• Working hours. Compliant with Sri Lankan labour law; overtime voluntary and paid at premium.
• No discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or political affiliation.
• Freedom of association. Workers are free to form or join trade unions under Sri Lankan law.
• No harassment or abuse: physical, verbal, sexual, or psychological.

3. Health & Safety

• A safe working environment compliant with the Factories Ordinance and applicable industry regulations.
• Personal protective equipment provided free of charge where required.
• Trained first-aid response and emergency procedures.
• Drinking water, sanitation, and rest areas available.
• Worker accommodation (where provided) meets minimum dignity and safety standards.

4. Environmental Responsibility

• Compliance with the National Environmental Act and all applicable industry-specific permits.
• Effluent and emissions within legal limits; documented monitoring where required.
• Responsible water use, particularly in agricultural and processing industries.
• Waste minimization and responsible disposal of hazardous waste.
• For organic certified products, full chain-of-custody documentation maintained.
• Where applicable, alignment with Sri Lanka’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

5. Product Integrity

• Origin honesty. Products are of Sri Lankan origin as represented.
• Specification honesty. Grades, ingredients, and certifications are accurate.
• Geographical Indication respect. GI terms (Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Tea, etc.) are used only for products that genuinely meet the GI definition.
• Food safety. HACCP-aligned hygiene controls for food and beverage products; ISO 22000 or equivalent where applicable.
• Traceability. Lot-level traceability back to the farm, factory, or mine.

6. Business Ethics

• No bribery of public officials, customs officers, certifying agents, or our staff. Compliance with the Bribery Act of Sri Lanka and applicable international anti-bribery laws.
• No corruption. Commercial gifts and entertainment kept within reasonable, transparent limits.
• Fair competition. No price-fixing or market-allocation arrangements with other Vendors.
• Honest representation. Marketing claims supported by evidence.
• Tax compliance. All applicable Sri Lankan taxes paid; foreign withholding handled correctly.

7. Supply Chain Diligence

Vendors should know their own supply chain back at least one tier, for example, a tea exporter should know which estates supply, and a textile exporter should know which fabric mills and dye-houses are used, and apply this Code analogously to upstream suppliers.

8. Confidentiality & Data

Buyer contact details, order specifications, and pricing arrangements obtained through SriLankaExport.com are treated as confidential. Personal data is processed lawfully and only for the purpose of fulfilling the order.

9. Monitoring & Enforcement

• We may request evidence of compliance at any time (audit reports, certification documents, factory photos, worker pay records redacted of personal identifiers).
• Substantiated material breaches lead to suspension or termination per the Vendor Agreement.
• We support Vendors in remediation where breaches are correctable and the Vendor is willing.

10. Reporting Concerns

Workers, Buyers, or third parties with concerns about Vendor practices may report confidentially to info@harker.international. Reports are treated in confidence; we do not retaliate against reporters acting in good faith.

11. Acceptance

By listing on SriLankaExport.com, every Vendor accepts this Code. Material updates will be notified to Vendors by email; continued listing constitutes acceptance of updates.