2021 Apple Code of Conduct
2021 Apple Code of Conduct
2021 Apple Code of Conduct
Apple is committed to respecting the highest standards of labor, human rights, environmental,
and ethical conduct. Apple’s suppliers are required to provide safe working conditions, treat
workers with dignity and respect, act fairly and ethically, and use environmentally responsible
practices wherever they make products or perform services for Apple. Apple requires its suppliers to
operate in accordance with the principles and requirements, as applicable, in this Apple Supplier
Code of Conduct (“Code”), and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Our Principle
The Code is based on internationally recognized human rights, as set out in the United Nations’
International Bill of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Apple is deeply committed to respecting human rights
as laid out in our company-wide Human Rights Policy and our approach is based on the UN Guiding
Principles for Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
In keeping with the UNGP framework, where national law and international human rights standards
differ, we follow the higher standard. Where they are in conflict, we respect national law, while
seeking to respect the principles of internationally recognized human rights.
In addition, where national law and Apple’s strict environmental, health and safety standards differ,
we follow the higher standard. Where national law and Apple’s high standards are in conflict, we
respect national law while seeking to honor the higher standard.
Apple will assess its suppliers’ compliance with this Code, and any violations of this Code may
jeopardize a supplier’s business relationship with Apple up to and including termination. This Code
applies to Apple suppliers and their subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as subcontractors and sub-
tier suppliers (each a “Supplier”) providing goods or services to Apple or for use in or with Apple
products.
Additionally, Apple maintains detailed standards (“Standards”) that explicitly define our
expectations for compliance with this Code by Suppliers.
Labor and Human Rights
Apple believes all workers in our supply chain deserve a fair and ethical workplace. Workers must be treated
with the utmost dignity and respect, and Apple suppliers shall uphold the highest standards of human rights.
Anti-Discrimination
Supplier shall not discriminate against any worker based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status,
national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, union membership, or any
other status protected by applicable national or local law, in hiring and other employment practices. Supplier
shall not require pregnancy or medical tests, except where required by applicable laws or regulations or
prudent for workplace safety, and shall not improperly discriminate based on test results.
Grievance Systems
Supplier shall ensure that workers have an effective mechanism to report grievances and that facilitates open
communication between management and workers.
Incident Management
Supplier shall have a system for workers to report health and safety incidents and near-misses, as well as a
system to investigate, track, and manage such reports. Supplier shall implement corrective action plans to
mitigate risks, provide necessary medical treatment, and facilitate workers’ return to work.
Environment
Apple is committed to protecting the environment, and environmental responsibility is at the core of how we
operate. Supplier shall develop, implement, and maintain environmentally responsible business practices.
Regulated Substances
Supplier shall comply with Apple’s Regulated Substances Specifications for all goods it manufactures for, or
provides to, Apple.
Wastewater Management
Supplier shall implement a systematic approach to identify, control, and reduce wastewater produced by its
operations. Supplier shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment systems.
Stormwater Management
Supplier shall implement a systematic approach to prevent contamination of stormwater runoff. Supplier shall
prevent illegal discharges and spills from entering storm drains, the public water supply, or public bodies of
water.
Ethics
Apple expects the highest standards of ethical conduct in all of our endeavors. Supplier shall always be ethical
in every aspect of its business, including relationships, practices, sourcing, and operations.
Business Integrity
Supplier shall not engage in corruption, extortion, embezzlement, or bribery to obtain an unfair or improper
advantage. Supplier shall abide by all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations of the countries in which
it operates, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and applicable international anti-corruption
conventions.
Supplier shall have a policy relating to business with Apple that prohibits the giving and acceptance of gifts.
Gifts include items such as cash or cash equivalents including entertainment, gift cards, product
discounts, and non-business activities. Supplier shall have a process to investigate and report any violations to
the policy.
Disclosure of Information
Supplier shall accurately record information regarding its business activities, labor, health and safety, and
environmental practices and shall disclose such information, without falsification or misrepresentation, to all
appropriate parties and as required by law.
Community Engagement
Supplier is encouraged to help foster social and economic development and contribute to the sustainability of
the communities in which it operates.
Management Systems
Apple believes that sound management systems and commitment are key to enriching the social and
environmental well-being of our supply chain. Apple holds its suppliers accountable to this Code of Conduct,
and all of its Standards. Supplier shall implement or maintain (as applicable) management systems that
facilitate compliance with this Code and the law, identify and mitigate related operational risks, and facilitate
continuous improvement.
Company Statement
Supplier shall develop a company statement affirming its commitment to high standards of social and
environmental responsibility, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement. Supplier shall post this statement
in the primary local language at all of its facilities.
This Code draws from industry and internationally accepted principles such as the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) formerly known as the
Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC), Ethical Trading Initiative, International Labor Organization’s (ILO) International Labor Standards,
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Social Accountability International, SA 8000, the ILO’s Code of Practice in
Safety and Health, National Fire Protection Association, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for
Multinational Enterprises, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk
Areas, and OHSAS 18001.
This Code is not intended to create new or additional rights for any third party. Version 4.7.
© 2018 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of third parties. January 2018.
Apple Supplier Code of Conduct 7
Version: 4.7 | Effective Date: January 1, 2021