Supplier Code of Conduct

Suppliers must comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and all other applicable laws that prohibit corruption, extortion, kickbacks, or bribery. Suppliers must not pay or receive bribes or provide any other improper benefits to any person in order to obtain or retain business or secure a business advantage, promise or offer. Supplier books and records must be maintained to accurately reflect the true nature of transactions.

Suppliers must avoid engaging in any activity that would create an actual or potential conflict of interest regarding their provision of products or services to the Red Cross. A conflict of interest occurs when the interest of a Supplier of the interest of a Supplier’s employees or suppliers with whom they work in providing goods or series to the Red Cross – interferes or appears to interfere with the Supplier’s ability to objectively to deliver or perform services to or for the Red Cross.

Products and services must be delivered in accordance with the specifications outlined in the relevant contract documents. Research and development activities should be carried out responsibly, following recognized standards for laboratory and clinical practices, as well as widely accepted scientific, technological, and ethical principles.

The Red Cross expects its suppliers to maintain workplaces free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse on factors including but not limited to age, disability, ethnic or social origin, gender, gender identity, nationality, race, sexual orientation, marital status or parental status, pregnancy, political convictions, religion, union affiliation, or veteran status. Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws related to non-discrimination in hiring and employment practices.

Suppliers are also expected to adhere to local wage and labor laws, ensuring employees receive accurate and timely wage statements with sufficient detail to verify their compensation. All use of temporary, dispatch, or outsourced labor must comply with applicable legal requirements.

In alignment with the Red Cross mission of humanity, service, and community, we expect our suppliers to demonstrate the same commitment in how they manage and engage their own supply chains. Suppliers are expected to adopt practices that strengthen and expand relationships with a diverse range of subcontractors and suppliers—of all sizes, backgrounds, capabilities, and geographic localities—to foster competition and efficiency, drive innovation, enhance agility, and promote community engagement, partnership, and resilience.

Suppliers are expected to use proactive supplier engagement strategies that provide equitable access and opportunity for qualified companies, including small and diverse businesses, to participate in their sourcing processes. Supplier selection decisions within their supply chain should be based on total value, including life-cycle cost, quality, reliability, efficiency, innovation, partnership, and alignment with ethical business standards.

We expect our suppliers to establish and maintain honest, ethical, and respectful partnerships within their supply base and to collaborate with the Red Cross to advance shared goals of integrity, inclusion, and positive community impact.

The Red Cross does not tolerate child labor in any form. Suppliers are required to comply with applicable child labor laws and employ only workers who meet the minimum legal age requirement in their countries of operation.

The Red Cross requires its suppliers to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to slavery, forced labor and human trafficking. Red Cross expects contracted suppliers to enact practices to ensure compliance with legal prohibitions against importing goods that were mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor.

Suppliers are responsible for the secure use and maintenance of all Red Cross physical assets, including facilities, equipment, and supplies. These assets must only be used for authorized purposes and handled in a manner that prevents damage, loss, or theft. Suppliers must also comply with physical security measures, such as access controls, badging policies, and other Red Cross requirements.

Suppliers may not use American Red Cross trademarks or intellectual property without explicit written permission. When authorized, suppliers must responsibly protect and use these assets in compliance with licenses and terms of use. Suppliers are also required to safeguard the confidentiality of Red Cross proprietary information, including but not limited to trade secrets, patents, copyrights, and sensitive data related to donors, clients, volunteers, and employees. Suppliers are prohibited from using, disclosing, or distributing this information without authorization and must adhere to all safeguarding protocols.

Suppliers must access, use, and transmit Red Cross data, including financial, supplier, employee, and personally identifiable information—only as permitted under contract terms and in compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations. Suppliers are responsible for any unauthorized use or disclosure of this data by their employees, agents, or representatives and must report any breaches promptly.

Suppliers are required to implement robust cybersecurity systems to protect their own networks and information as well as to prevent unauthorized access to Red Cross systems and data. These systems should include processes and technologies designed to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard against incidents such as data breaches or system compromises. Suppliers must maintain and update their security measures regularly to ensure compliance with Red Cross standards and contractual obligations.

The Red Cross requires suppliers to comply with all laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, permits, licenses and approvals regarding the environment in their countries of operation.

Suppliers shall properly manage and treat any hazardous waste, wastewater or air emissions with the potential to adversely impact human or environmental health, prior to release and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Suppliers shall manage compliance, minimize environmental impact and drive continual improvement through the implementation of an environmental management system. At a minimum, suppliers are expected to have policies, plans or strategies in place specific to reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, reducing waste material and packaging while prioritizing renewable energy resources, energy-efficient equipment and buildings, and low-emission transportation.

The Red Cross aims to purchase products and services that minimize environmental impact and promote human health, while also considering cost-effectiveness. Suppliers are encouraged to propose environmentally friendly alternatives that incorporate sustainable materials, minimize packaging, lower CO2 emissions, or are more biodegradable.

Suppliers are responsible for complying with all local health and safety laws and adopting practices to minimize risks, prevent accidents, and maintain safe and sanitary workplaces. This includes obtaining and keeping current all necessary permits and implementing a structured health and safety management system.

Suppliers are responsible for setting policies and objectives for health and safety, appointing a qualified person responsible for these areas, and ensuring regular assessment and mitigation of workplace hazards. Workers should receive appropriate health and safety training in their primary language and have access to health and safety information at their workstations. Suppliers should provide necessary personal protective equipment at no cost to employees.

Suppliers are expected to have processes in place to record and investigate accidents, near misses, and first-aid events, including conducting root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions. Emergency response plans should be established, including training for workers on emergency procedures, alarm systems, evacuation plans, and first-aid provisions. Workers should be able to report hazards and unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

Suppliers are responsible for providing clean and accessible toilet facilities, potable water, and sanitary dining and food preparation areas. Worker dormitories, if provided, should be clean, safe, and offer reasonable living space.