Supply Chain

Supply Chain Responsibility: California SB 657

The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 (SB 657) requires large manufacturers and retailers that sell goods in California to make certain disclosures regarding their efforts to address slavery and human trafficking. The Act is intended to ensure that retail manufactures and sellers are disclosing their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their supply chains.

Van de Velde is committed to observing high ethical standards in the conduct of its business. We have earned the SA8000 label (www.sa-intl.org) which draws on the basic conventions of the International Labour Organization, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We are committed to the goals of SB 657 and are committed to compliance with all laws and regulations governing efforts to address slavery and human trafficking. In establishing and maintaining relationships with the suppliers for our brands, we ask them to be committed to the same high ethical standards, and that are not linked to activities that would be considered abusive or exploitive, including human trafficking and slavery.

Van de Velde does engage in verification of our product supply chain to ensure compliance with laws governing slavery and human trafficking. These verifications do not currently include a certification regarding the materials used in manufacture by each supplier. Verification is conducted by a third party auditor pursuant to the SA 8000 standard.

Van de Velde does have an internal accountability system to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations regarding SA 8000. Van de Velde conducts audits of all crucial suppliers for its product brands. The audits are announced. Van de Velde can take action upon discovery of violations, including requesting a prompt redress of alleged violations, and corrective actions, as well as the potential for termination of the supplier relationship in the event of violations or failure to adequately remedy violations.

Van de Velde maintains the highest ethical standards in its business dealings. Van de Velde provides training to all employees engaged in supply chain management activities to ensure that those high standards are adhered to and maintained. Van de Velde’s employee training program includes policies and training to adhere to its employees respect and comply with the Standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strictly prohibit the use of slavery and human trafficking in the supply chain.