KINGSTON CODE OF CONDUCT
Kingston Technology Company, Inc. and its sites worldwide (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Kingston”) are committed to adopting the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct which establishes standards to ensure that working conditions are safe, and that business is conducted responsibly, ethically, and with respect for human rights and the environment. Kingston believes that by supporting and incorporating this RBA Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as “this Code”) into our business operations we can promote and maintain integrity in all areas of our business. In keeping with the policies set forth by this Code, Kingston expects its suppliers to acknowledge and implement this Code, which sets forth standards concerning labor, health and safety, the environment, business ethics, and elements of an acceptable system to manage conformity to this Code. While we recognize that legal and cultural environments in which Suppliers operate around the world may vary, this Code establishes the minimum requirements that all Suppliers are expected to meet in doing business with Kingston. Suppliers are required to cooperate with Kingston’s assessment of performance against this Code and be open to inspections, including on-site inspections of supplier locations by Kingston representatives. Suppliers should maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with this Code and should provide Kingston with access to that documentation upon Kingston’s request. Suppliers should provide Kingston representatives reasonable access to production facilities in connection with monitoring visits. Violations of this Code by Kingston Suppliers may result in a termination of business, and Suppliers are expected to cooperate with Kingston’s assessment of performance against this Code in due course. This code will be maintained and updated as new revisions are released by the RBA.
A. LABOR
Kingston is committed to respecting the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity. This applies to direct and indirect suppliers, as well as all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees, and any other type of worker.
The labor standards are:
- Prohibition of Forced Labor
Forced labor in any form, including but not limited to, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labor, involuntary or exploitative prison labor, slavery or trafficking of persons is not permitted. This includes transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring, or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labor or services. There shall be no unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement in the facility in addition to unreasonable restrictions on entering or exiting company-provided facilities including, if applicable, workers’ dormitories or living quarters. As part of the hiring process, all workers must be provided with a written employment agreement in their native language that contains a description of terms and conditions of employment. Foreign migrant workers must receive the employment agreement prior to the worker departing from his or her country of origin and there shall be no substitution or change(s) allowed in the employment agreement upon arrival in the receiving country unless these changes are made to meet local law and provide equal or better terms. All work must be voluntary, and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or terminate their employment without penalty if reasonable notice is given, which shall be clearly stated in workers’ contracts. Employers, agents, and sub-agents’ may not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal, or confiscate identity or immigration documents, such as government-issued identification, passports, or work permits. Employers can only hold documentation if such holdings are required by law. In this case, at no time should workers be denied access to their documents. Workers shall not be required to pay employers’ agents or sub-agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for their employment. If any such fees are found to have been paid by workers, such fees shall be repaid to the worker.
- Young Workers
Child labor is not to be used in any stage of manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person under the age of 15, or under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is greatest. Kingston implements an appropriate mechanism to verify the age of workers. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Workers under the age of 18 (Young Workers) shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health or safety, including night shifts and overtime. Kingston ensures proper management of student workers through proper maintenance of student records, rigorous due diligence of educational partners, and protection of students’ rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Kingston provides appropriate support and training to all student workers. In the absence of local law, the wage rate for student workers, interns, and apprentices shall be at least the same wage rate as other entry-level workers performing equal or similar tasks. If child labor is identified, assistance/remediation is provided.
- Working Hours
Working hours are not to exceed the maximum set by local law. Further, a workweek should not be more than 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. All overtime must be voluntary. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every seven days.
- Wages and Benefits
Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits. All workers shall receive equal pay for equal work and qualification. In compliance with local laws, workers shall be compensated for overtime at pay rates greater than regular hourly rates. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labor will be within the limits of the local law.
- Non-Discrimination/Non-Harassment/Humane Treatment
Kingston is committed to a workplace free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. There is to be no harsh or inhumane treatment including violence, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, bullying, public shaming, or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Companies shall not engage in discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as wages, promotions, rewards, and access to training. Disciplinary policies and procedures in support of these requirements shall be clearly defined and communicated to workers. Workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for religious practices and disability. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests, including pregnancy or virginity tests, or physical exams that could be used in a discriminatory way. This was drafted in consideration of ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No.111).
- Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Open communication and direct engagement between workers and management are the most effective ways to resolve workplace and compensation issues. Workers and/or their representatives shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation, or harassment. In alignment with these principles, Kingston respects the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities. Where the right of freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted by applicable laws and regulations, workers shall be allowed to elect and join alternate lawful forms of worker representations.
B. HEALTH and SAFETY
Kingston recognizes that in addition to minimizing the incidence of work-related injury and illness, a safe and healthy work environment enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. We also recognize that ongoing worker input and education are essential to identifying and solving health and safety issues in the workplace.
The health and safety standards are:
- Occupational Health and Safety
Worker potential for exposure to health and safety hazards (e.g., chemical, electrical and other energy sources, fire, vehicles and fall hazards) are to be identified and assessed, and mitigated using the Hierarchy of Controls. Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by these means, workers are to be provided with appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment and educational materials about risks to them associated with these hazards. Gender-responsive measures are to be taken, such as not having pregnant women and nursing mothers in working conditions, which could be hazardous to them or their child and to provide reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers.
- Emergency Preparedness
Potential emergency situations and events are to be identified and assessed, and their impact minimized by implementing emergency plans and response procedures including emergency reporting, employee notification and evacuation procedures, worker training, and drills. Emergency drills must be executed at least annually or as required by local law, whichever is more stringent. Emergency plans should also include appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment, clear and unobstructed egress, adequate exit facilities, contact information for emergency responders, and recovery plans. Such plans and procedures shall focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment, and property.
- Occupational Injury and Illness
Procedures and systems are to be in place to prevent, manage, track and report occupational injuries and illnesses, including provisions to encourage worker reporting, classify and record injury and illness cases, provide necessary medical treatment, investigate cases and implement corrective actions to eliminate their causes, and facilitate the return of workers to work. Workers are allowed to remove themselves from imminent harm, and not return until the situation is mitigated, without fear of retaliation.
- Industrial Hygiene
Worker exposure to chemical, biological, and physical agents is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled according to the Hierarchy of Controls. If any potential hazards were identified, Kingston looks for opportunities to eliminate and/or reduce the potential hazards. If elimination or reduction of the hazards is not feasible, potential hazards are to be controlled through proper design, engineering, and administrative controls. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled by such means, workers are to be provided with and use appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment free of charge. Workers are to be provided safe and healthy working environments, which shall be maintained through ongoing, systematic monitoring of workers’ health and working environments. Occupational health monitoring shall be provided to routinely evaluate if workers’ health is being harmed from occupational exposures. Protective occupational health programs shall be ongoing and include educational materials about the risks associated with exposure to workplace hazards.
- Physically Demanding Work
Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing, and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled.
- Machine Safeguarding
Production and other machinery shall be evaluated for safety hazards. Physical guards, interlocks, and barriers are to be provided and properly maintained where machinery presents an injury hazard to workers.
- Sanitation, Food, and Housing
Workers are to be provided with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary food preparation, storage, and eating facilities. Worker dormitories provided by Kingston, or a labor agent are to be maintained to be clean and safe, and provided with appropriate emergency egress, hot water for bathing and showering, adequate lighting and heat and ventilation, individually secured accommodations for storing personal and valuable items, and reasonable personal space along with reasonable entry and exit privileges.
- Health and Safety Communication
Kingston provides workers with appropriate workplace health and safety information and training in the language of the worker or in a language the worker can understand for all identified workplace hazards that workers are exposed to, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, fire, and physical hazards. Health and safety related information shall be clearly posted in the facility or placed in a location identifiable and accessible by workers. Training is provided to all workers prior to the beginning of work and regularly thereafter. Workers shall be encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without retaliation.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL
Kingston recognizes that environmental responsibility is integral to producing world-class products. We also identify the environmental impacts and minimizes adverse effects on the community, environment, and natural resources within their manufacturing operations, while safeguarding the health and safety of the public.
The environmental standards are:
- Environmental Permits and Reporting
All required environmental permits (e.g. discharge monitoring), approvals, and registrations are to be obtained, maintained, and kept current and their operational and reporting requirements are to be followed.
- Pollution Prevention and Resource Conservation
Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste are to be minimized or eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production, maintenance, and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water, fossil fuels, minerals, and virgin forest products, is to be conserved by practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling, or other means.
- Hazardous Substances
Chemicals, waste, and other materials posing a hazard to humans, or the environment are to be identified, labeled, and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse, and disposal. Hazardous waste data shall be tracked and documented.
- Solid Waste
Kingston implements a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce, and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste (non-hazardous). Waste data shall be tracked and documented.
- Air Emissions
Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone depleting substances, and combustion byproducts generated from operations are to be characterized, routinely monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge. Ozone depleting substances are to be effectively managed in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and applicable regulations. Kingston conducts routine monitoring of the performance of its air emission control systems.
- Materials Restrictions
Kingston adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and customer requirements regarding the prohibition or restriction of specific substances in products and manufacturing, including labeling for recycling and disposal.
- Water Management
Kingston implements a water management program that documents, characterizes, and monitors water sources, use and discharge; seeks opportunities to conserve water; and controls channels of contamination. All wastewater is to be characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge or disposal. Kingston conducts routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment and containment systems to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.
- Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Kingston establishes and reports against an absolute corporate-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal. Energy consumption and all Scopes 1, 2, and significant categories of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions are to be tracked, documented, and publicly reported. We look for methods to improve energy efficiency and to minimize their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
D. ETHICS
To meet social responsibilities and to achieve success in the marketplace, Kingston and their agents uphold the highest standards of ethics including:
- Business Integrity
The highest standards of integrity are to be upheld in all business interactions. Kingston has a zero-tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement.
- No Improper Advantage
Bribes or other means of obtaining undue or improper advantage are not to be promised, offered, authorized, given, or accepted. This prohibition covers promising, offering, authorizing, giving or accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly through a third party, in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person, or otherwise gain an improper advantage. Monitoring, record keeping, and enforcement procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.
- Disclosure of Information
All business dealings should be transparently performed and accurately reflected on Kingston’s business books and records. Information regarding Kingston’s labor, health and safety, environmental practices, business activities, structure, financial situation, and performance is to be disclosed in accordance with applicable regulations and prevailing industry practices. Falsification of records or misrepresentation of conditions or practices in the supply chain are unacceptable.
- Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are to be respected, transfer of technology and know-how is to be done in a manner that protects intellectual property rights, and customer and supplier information is to be safeguarded.
- Fair Business, Advertising and Competition
Standards of fair business, advertising, and competition are to be upheld.
- Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation
Programs that ensure the confidentiality, anonymity and protection of supplier and employee whistleblowers are to be maintained, unless prohibited by law. Suppliers should have a communicated process for their personnel to be able to raise any concerns without fear of retaliation.
Kingston employees and employees of Kingston suppliers may submit confidential reports of potential ethical violations, concerns and complaints between employees from suppliers and Kingston through the following methods:
Mailing Address 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 E-mail Address [email protected] - Responsible Sourcing of Minerals
Kingston adopts a policy and exercises due diligence on the source and chain of custody of the tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold, and cobalt in the products they manufacture to reasonably assure that they are sourced in a way consistent with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas or an equivalent and recognized due diligence framework.
- Privacy
Kingston is committed to protecting the reasonable privacy expectations of personal information of everyone they do business with, including suppliers, customers, consumers, and employees. Kingston complies with privacy and information security laws and regulatory requirements when personal information is collected, stored, processed, transmitted, and shared.
E. MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Suppliers should adopt or establish a management system whose scope is related to the content of this Code. The management system is designed to ensure: (a) compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and customer requirements related to Supplier’s operations and products; (b) conformance with this Code; and (c) identification and mitigation of operational risks related to this Code. It should also facilitate continual improvement.
The management system should contain the following elements:
- Company Commitment
Human rights, health and safety, environmental, and ethics policy statements have been established affirming Kingston’s commitment to due diligence and continual improvement, endorsed by executive management. Policy statements are made public and communicated to workers in a language they understand via accessible channels.
- Management Accountability and Responsibility
Kingston clearly identifies senior executive and company representative(s) responsible for ensuring implementation of the management systems and associated programs. Senior management reviews the status of the management systems on a regular basis.
- Legal and Customer Requirements.
A process to identify, monitor and understand applicable laws, regulations, and customer requirements, including the requirements of this Code.
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management
A process to identify the legal compliance, environmental, health and safety and labor practice and ethics risks, including the risks of severe human rights and environmental impacts, associated with Kingston’s operations. Determination of the relative significance for each risk and implementation of appropriate procedural and physical controls to control the identified risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Improvement Objectives
Written performance objectives, targets and implementation plans to improve Kingston’s social, environmental, and health and safety performance, including a periodic assessment of our performance in achieving those objectives.
- Training
Programs for training managers and workers to implement Kingston’s policies, procedures, and improvement objectives and to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Communication
A process for communicating clear and accurate information about Kingston’s policies, practices, expectations, and performance to workers, suppliers, and customers.
- Worker/Stakeholder Engagement and Access to Remedy
Processes for ongoing two-way communication with workers, their representatives, and other stakeholders where relevant or necessary. The process shall aim to obtain feedback on operational practices and conditions covered by this Code and to foster continuous improvement. Workers must be given a safe environment to provide grievance and feedback without fear of reprisal or retaliation.
- Audits and Assessments
Periodic self-evaluations to ensure conformity to legal and regulatory requirements, the content of the Code, and customer contractual requirements related to social and environmental responsibility.
- Corrective Action Process
A process for timely correction of deficiencies identified by internal or external assessments, inspections, investigations, and reviews.
- Documentation and Records
Creation and maintenance of documents and records to ensure regulatory compliance and conformity to company requirements along with appropriate confidentiality to protect privacy.
- Supplier Responsibility
A process to communicate Code requirements to suppliers and to monitor supplier compliance to the Code.