ZTE continually strives to develop and promote high standards of business behavior and social responsibility. Our Guide to Ethical Business Practice promotes fairness and dignity for the people and environments wherever we do business. To this end, ZTE has established a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines certain principles expected from our supplier base and throughout the ZTE supply chain. ZTE expects all suppliers — especially our "Strategic" suppliers — to adopt and adhere to policies and procedures that uphold the same high standards of integrity and ethical business practice ZTE does. It is important to ZTE that all suppliers represent us in a manner that enhances our reputation and relationships with our stakeholders, including customers, around the world.

 

Principles of the Supplier Code of Conduct

 

The Supplier Code of Conduct is based on three overriding principles:

 

1. Be Honest and Obey All Applicable Laws:

Commit to act in accordance with all relevant laws, regulations and industry standards in the countries in which suppliers operate.

 

2. Treat People with Dignity and Respect:

Adopt and promote labor practices that foster the dignity of the individual as well as conform to all local laws and regulations.

 

3. Protect and Enhance the Environment:

 Recognize global and local environmental responsibilities and take all commercially reasonable steps to safeguard the environment.

 

Be Honest and Obey all Applicable Laws

 

ZTE expects that its suppliers will abide by all applicable laws and compete fairly in the marketplace. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to offer, give, solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, any form of bribe, kickback or any improper or illegal inducement.

 

Treat People with Dignity and Respect

 

ZTE expects its suppliers to treat all persons engaged in the course of doing business with dignity and respect. Suppliers are expected to adopt sound labor practices and treat their workers fairly and, at a minimum, in accordance with local laws and regulations in all of their operations worldwide as outlined below:

 

Working environment

 

In accordance with applicable laws and industry standards, provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment, with access to adequate safety training appropriate for the particular industry. Provide a working environment where workers are able to work without duress or fear of physical punishment.

 

Child or forced labor

 

Commit to a zero-tolerance policy toward the use of child labor, and adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Labor Organization's child labor conventions.

 

Employ workers who choose to be employed by that company. The supplier will not use any forced labor or any non-voluntary labor.

 

Working hours

 

Do not require employees who are in a non-management or non-supervisory role to work excessive hours, in accordance with industry benchmarks. Any overtime should be voluntary on the part of all employees.

 

Wages and benefits

 

Pay employees, at a minimum, a living wage based on local and industry standards which enables employees to meet the basic needs of themselves and their families and receive payment in due time for services rendered in accordance with the local and industry standards.

 

Workforce diversity

 

Have the strongest policy permitted under local standards and national laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or other factors that have no bearing on job performance.

 

Terms of employment

 

At a minimum, follow all national laws with respect to the length, conditions and termination of employment.

 

Protect and Enhance the Environment

 

ZTE expects that its suppliers will take the necessary steps to protect the environment in the various regions of the world in which they operate. ZTE expects its supplier base to meet current and emerging compliance expectations on a global basis. Suppliers must be prepared to work towards the following goals:

 

Develop innovative solutions to environmental issues before they arise and take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products.

 

Commit to implementing solutions to any environmental concerns that may arise as a result of their operations.

 

Follow all local environmental laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they conduct business.

Implement environment, health and safety management systems, for example ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.