Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

  • Home
  • Code of Conduct

Zowasel Sourcing Chain Code of Conduct

Introduction

Zowasel actively pursues long-term customer relationships based on responsible business practices, trust, and sustainable sourcing across the supply chain. This mutually beneficial Code of Conduct outlines the principles for corporate governance, quality assurance, labor rights, environmental protection, community respect, compliance, and consequences for non-compliance.

The Zowasel Code (‘Code’) provides a comprehensive set of conditions supporting Zowasel’s goal of providing access to markets, financial services, and various supplies. This Code ensures all supplies are produced socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable, reflecting Zowasel's commitment to responsible business practices.

Code Principles

By accepting this Code, suppliers agree to:

1. Commit to Corporate Governance and Integrity

  • Comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing operations, business, and personnel.
  • Prohibit corrupt or unethical practices, including bribery in any form.

2. Guarantee Quality of Goods and Services

  • Meet Zowasel's quality and safety standards, regulatory requirements, and Crop Quality Specifications.
  • Provide traceability of material along the upstream supply chain when requested.

3. Ensure No Exploitation Within Operations

  • Comply with ILO conventions on child labor and forced labor.
  • Maintain an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
  • Respect employees' rights to form and join unions and bargain collectively.
  • Provide fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions in compliance with applicable laws.
  • Encourage gender equality and women's empowerment in all aspects of operations.

4. Respect the Natural Environment

  • Comply with environmental protection laws and regulations.
  • Prohibit deforestation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable sourcing practices.
  • Minimize pollution, conserve water, and manage agrochemicals responsibly.
  • Reduce fossil fuel use and adopt renewable resources where practicable.

5. Respect Local Communities

  • Prevent and address adverse health and safety impacts on surrounding communities.
  • Respect the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous people, including obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for new developments.
  • Source goods and services locally whenever practicable.

6. Ensure Compliance

  • Ensure suppliers and subcontractors are fully aware of the Code and its principles.
  • Communicate the contents of the Code to all employees.
  • Report any issues inconsistent with the Code to Zowasel immediately through a transparent and confidential process.

Addendum: Product-Specific Requirements

Specific additional requirements for the Supply Chain will be specified in an addendum to this Code of Conduct. These requirements will not contradict the provisions of the global Supplier Code.

Customer Declaration

Declaration of Compliance with Zowasel Code of Conduct

I hereby declare that I shall comply with the Responsible Business Partner Policy, and our organization, suppliers, and subcontractors fully comply with this policy. They will maintain compliance with it throughout our business dealings across our supply chain.

Zowasel, as the enforcer of this Code, reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) announced and unannounced inspections of the Supplier’s facilities and business practices to verify compliance with this Code. If Zowasel becomes aware of non-compliance with any aspect of the Code, Zowasel reserves the right to demand corrective measures.

Zowasel also reserves the right to terminate an agreement with any supplier that does not comply with the requirements outlined in this document. Non-compliance with this Code, including bribery and corruption, is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties. Zowasel personnel cannot, whether dealing with the government or with private enterprises or individuals, directly or indirectly, offer, promise, give, demand, or accept any bribe or other undue advantage to obtain, retain, or direct business or secure any other improper advantage in the conduct of business.

Please complete the fields below and return them to your Zowasel representative.

If you wish to discuss any of the content of this document, please contact your Zowasel representative. We are here to support your commitment to complying with the standards in the Zowasel Supplier Code.

Annex 1: Child Labor Statement – Supplier Compliance

Zowasel Inc. does not engage in or condone the unlawful employment of children in the workplace or the use of forced labor. Zowasel respects and abides by ILO conventions No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor and No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and Work. Zowasel pledges to work proactively with others, including our suppliers and Governments, to progressively eliminate these abuses in the labor markets related to agricultural supply chains.

Zowasel follows and expects its suppliers to follow the Minimum Age table, which directly references ILO Convention No. 138, defining child labor by the categories shown. For some countries, the primary minimum age for regular work may be higher than shown in this table. Details can be found on the ILO website.

Work Classification Developed Countries Developing Countries
Light work 12 years 14 years
Regular work 14 years 16 years
Hazardous work 18 years 18 years

Signing the Zowasel Supplier Code represents a commitment to follow fair employment practices in compliance with all applicable local government rules and regulations regarding Child Labor Laws.

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2020

Signature:

Zowasel Compliance Dept.

A TRUSTED SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK

Meet our verified and trusted customers such as;

A leading global supplier of agro-commodities.

A leading provider of high-quality food products

A leading food and Agro-allied company in Nigeria,

An independent player in the soft commodities market

A leading Agri Company in Asia and Africa

An independent player in the consumer goods and infrastructure.

A leading Nigerian integrated foods company.

The leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa.

A leading beer and spirits company in Tanzania.

An indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group

A multinational drink and brewing company

A global leader in sustainable food ingredients

East Africa’s leading branded alcohol beverage business

The largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company

Top producer of the best quality feeds

A leading Animal Feed Brand in Nigeria and the largest producer of Aqua Feed in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Nigeria’s Largest Processor and Refiner of Crude Palm Oil, Palm Kernel and Soybean