Honoring The Five Principles

The Mars Supplier Code of Conduct captures the principles that we expect our suppliers to uphold. It contains globally aligned standards and guidance in each of the following areas:

• Child labor
• Voluntary employment/forced labor and human trafficking
• Migrant labor
• Abuse, harassment, disciplinary action
• Fair and equal treatment/non-discrimination
• Compensation and benefits
• Working hours
• Freedom of association and collective bargaining
• Health and safety
• Environment
• Ethical business practices

We revise our Code every two years to align with pertinent emerging legislation, best practice and stakeholder expectations. In 2013, the Code underwent a review that enhanced its quality and expanded the scope of topics covered. The most recent version of the Code was finalized and released in March 2014.

The outcomes of the review included:

• A new section on "Migrant Labor" that calls on our suppliers to ensure migrant workers are treated with dignity and in accordance with the same standards that apply to other workers. Criteria under this section govern minimum working standards for migrants and other relevant issues, such as recruitment agencies.
• Under "Abuse, Harassment and Disciplinary Proceedings," an expectation was added, prohibiting suppliers from engaging in physical, mental, verbal, sexual or any other abuse, inhumane or degrading treatment, corporal punishment or any form of harassment. This aligns our Code with international best practice.
• Under "Child Labor," a provision was added governing the employment of children under 18 in hazardous conditions. This aligns the Code and its definition of child labor with International Labour Organization Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
• Under "Voluntary Labor/Forced Labor," criteria were added to address concerns related to employment through private agencies and prohibiting the collection of fees from workers.

We seek to ensure that the Supplier Code of Conduct reflects emerging new standards, building on the International Labour Organization and other recognized standards already reflected in the code. The Code also is aligned with the U.K. Bribery Act, U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and The California Supply Chain Transparency Act. The due diligence process associated with this Code is aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

All Associates who have contact with suppliers complete an online module covering the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Contact Us and Report Concerns

If you are a supplier looking for more information on the Mars Responsible Sourcing program, please engage your Mars Sourcing Manager directly. 

Suppliers are responsible for prompt reporting of actual or suspected violations of laws, our Supplier Code of Conduct, and/or any contractual relationship with Mars. This includes violations by any employee or agent acting on behalf of either the supplier or Mars. Mars also encourages all suppliers to implement confidential and anonymous means for employees to raise grievances.