Code of Conduct

In the hope of being transparent and efficiently communicating our expectations to our suppliers, staff and other third parties, we have set up this Code of Conduct. It consists of our most basic expectations and requirements and is updated based on self-evaluation and regular research, allowing constructive changes that ensure it stays effective. The code is specifically composed to address concerns regarding ethical practices.

FashionIsta Global, operator of hedgehogkids.com, makes a conscious effort to work only with reputable and trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers in order to guarantee the best quality of our products. Customers of FashionIsta Global are also assured that their goods are produced under fair conditions.

We operate in lawfully acceptable conditions. We deal only in fair and honest trade, without the exploitation of vulnerable population groups such as artisans, while providing prudent working conditions and keeping in mind — and minimising — our effects on the environment.

Essentials

• The provisions of this social code constitute minimum, not maximum, standards, and the code must not be used to prevent companies from exceeding these standards.
• Companies applying the social code are expected to comply with national and other applicable law and, where the provisions of law and the social code address the same subject, to apply the provision which affords the greater protection.
• Where there is no national law, suppliers must refer to the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.

Eco-friendly practices

• All waste produced must be appropriately managed in line with the local laws in place.
• A conscious effort must be made to ensure that waste disposal does not harm the environment or inconvenience the local population.
• At FashionIsta Global we try to recycle any waste produced. We expect the same of our suppliers and encourage them daily to make recycling a part of their waste disposal routine.
• Suppliers should also work to minimise their energy consumption and improve efficiency in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

Ethical hiring

• We have a stringent, zero-tolerance policy on child labour. In no circumstance is child labour acceptable, and we will not work with suppliers that use or promote the use of child labour in any of their facilities.
• No person may be employed below the legal minimum working age in their jurisdiction, or below the age for completing compulsory education, whichever is higher. Where local law sets a higher minimum age, that law must be followed.
• Young workers (above the minimum working age but below 18) may only carry out light, non-hazardous work, in full compliance with all laws governing the treatment of young workers. No young worker may perform hazardous work or night work.

Fair employment

• Suppliers must not use, or promote the use of, illegal workers or any forced, involuntary or prison labour.
• No worker should be required to lodge money or 'deposits' with their employer, and every worker must have the free choice to leave and terminate their contract after an agreed notice period.
• We strictly do not condone physical abuse or discipline. No worker should give or receive threats of physical violence, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse or any other form of intimidation — all of which are rigorously prohibited.
• FashionIsta Global is strictly against all forms of inequity and bigotry. Everyone must be treated equally regardless of race, caste, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation — in employment, training, termination and retirement alike.
• Workers have the right to freely join or form trade unions and to raise their needs respectfully. FashionIsta Global adopts an open attitude towards the formation and activities of trade unions.
• Workers should be permitted to leave the factory in acceptable and legitimate circumstances, and all workers must have free access to water, toilets and religious facilities while at work.
• When using small workshop subcontractors, temporary workers or homeworkers, the supplier must inform FashionIsta Global. All new or temporary hiring must be carried out according to legal requirements, whether by the supplier or a third-party agent.
• We encourage all suppliers to publish their own regulations on ethical production, fair employment and environmental responsibility, with appropriate systems to implement and monitor them.

Safe and healthy working conditions

• All workers must work in a safe and hygienic environment with adequate sanitation facilities.
• Workers must be properly trained on the machines they operate and their hazards.
• Safety guidelines and precautions must be in place to prevent accidents and injuries.

Ethics and integrity

• Suppliers are expected to provide anonymous channels for worker feedback, complaints and suggestions.
• Suppliers should be respectful and mindful of these ethical guidelines and implement them diligently.
• Suppliers must work to eradicate corruption by strictly forbidding acts of extortion and bribery.

Supervision and monitoring

The principle of trust and cooperation. FashionIsta Global trusts all its suppliers to respect this social code and to actively do their best to meet our expectations. We have confidence in our staff to take responsibility in their work by being proactive, and we expect our suppliers to do the same. We believe in active cooperation and teamwork, and we work with our suppliers by consensus on decisions wherever possible.

We recognise globalisation and its effects, and we consider the cultural and other factors that vary across the world. However, we will not compromise on basic requirements regarding safety and human rights for our workers, suppliers or staff.

Monitoring. We require complete transparency in business. All suppliers must keep FashionIsta Global informed about where each order is being produced. FashionIsta Global reserves the right to have any independent third party of our choice carry out inspections to ensure the supplier consistently follows this code of conduct.

Non-compliance. If we find that a supplier fails to comply with our code even after repeated warnings, we will terminate our relationship with that supplier immediately.

Modern slavery

At FashionIsta Global we are extremely cautious, and we require all our suppliers to be constantly vigilant about the practice and risks of forced, bonded and trafficked labour in their own business and throughout their supply chains.

We expect suppliers to have complete knowledge of their labour force and a high level of awareness of situations in which slavery can arise — especially involving foreign contract workers and migrant labour, as these groups are particularly vulnerable. Suppliers must follow these guidelines: (i) withholding identification documents such as national ID cards and passports is forbidden; (ii) charging recruitment fees is forbidden; and (iii) workers must be free to leave employment or repatriate at their convenience, with an acceptable notice period guaranteed.

To ensure these guidelines are followed, FashionIsta Global conducts factory visits. Our team is vigilantly on the lookout for signs of modern slavery and is instructed to report any cases or concerns immediately.

Questions?

Please direct all queries to support@hedgehogkids.com.