May, 1996
To Our Business Partners:
Jones Apparel Group, Inc. ("Jones") is committed to legal compliance
and ethical business practices in all of our operations worldwide. We
choose suppliers and contractors who we believe share that commitment.
We are considering placing, or have placed, one or more orders with your
company for the manufacture of apparel or for the performance of
services with regard to the manufacture of apparel. We would like to
call your attention to Jones' policy with regard to legal compliance and
ethical business practices.
In our purchase arrangements, we require our suppliers and
contractors to comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the
country, or countries, in which they are conducting business. Our
standards are summarized as follows:
* Our business partners must share our commitment to
compliance with all laws regarding the importation of merchandise into
the United States. Our business partners must respect the U. S. Customs
laws for importation and the laws concerning the transhipment of
merchandise. Transhipment is illegal and Jones will not tolerate this
type of transaction for purposes of evading quota or country of origin
rules. These are criminal offenses which can carry penalties up to
imprisonment.
* Our business partners must share our commitment to
providing a safe and healthy workplace and to treating employees fairly
and in compliance with local laws. While we recognize that cultural
differences exist and standards may vary by country, we expect our
partners to adhere to certain practices. Health, safety and other
workplace standards must meet all local laws and safety regulations.
Worker housing, where provided, must meet the same standards for health
and safety as the workplace. Employees must be compensated fairly for
all hours worked and at rates that meet local industry standards.
Employees must not be discriminated against because of personal
characteristics or beliefs.
* Our business partners must not utilize child labor as
defined by the United Nations standards or by national standards,
whichever are higher. They must not utilize forced labor, including
prison or other compulsory labor.
* Our business partners must share our commitment to
product quality and to maintaining the operating practices necessary to
meet our quality standards.
* Our business partners must adhere to their national
laws regarding the protection and preservation of the environment.
If it is found that a supplier or contractor for the production of
merchandise for Jones has committed legal violations, or deals with a
factory or supplier that has committed legal violations, or is not in
compliance with the standards set forth herein, we will take appropriate
action, which may include canceling the affected purchase contract(s),
terminating our relationship with the supplier or contractor, commencing
legal actions against the supplier or contractor, or other actions as
warranted. We support law enforcement and cooperate with law enforcement
authorities in the proper execution of their responsibilities.
Your endorsement of this letter will authorize us to send a Jones
representative or agent to your premises from time to time to perform
such work as is necessary to ensure that you are in compliance with our
standards. You agree to cooperate fully and to provide our
representative or agent with any and all information requested which is
necessary to prove your compliance with the applicable laws or other
matters reviewed.
Please sign and return to us a copy of this letter, which evidences
your agreement to comply with Jones' policy, and with the employment
standards and legal require ments of your country, with respect to the
manufacture of all goods and services which you supply to us. If you
have any questions concerning compliance with the applicable laws of
your country, we suggest that you consult your local attorney.
Please confirm your agreement with all of the foregoing by signing
this letter in the space provided below and returning it to us promptly.
A duplicate copy of this letter is enclosed for your records.
Sincerely,
_______________________
Chief Financial Officer |
The foregoing is agreed to and will be complied with:
___________________________________
Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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