As a vital part of our commitment to social and environmental impact of the resources we buy and use in the production of our watches is often outside our direct control. So, it is important that we source all of our raw materials – including gold and leather – responsibly; and that we help and encourage our suppliers to behave responsibly, in line with our Environmental and Supplier Codes of Conduct.
These Codes of Conduct focus on our suppliers and environmental management needs and are the guidelines for all of our business relationships. The relationship between the company and its business associates – suppliers, subcontractors and strategic partners – is based on fair, honest and mutually beneficial trade practices, which ultimately help to ensure high-quality products and services.
PRECIOUS MATERIALS
All precious materials used at IWC Schaffhausen are obliged to comply with local regulations. In addition, IWC Schaffhausen applies best practice to make its purchase and use of precious materials as sustainable as possible.
IWC Schaffhausen is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) to underscore its commitment to the responsible sourcing of precious metals and stones. The RJC is an international non-profit organisation that brings together members of the global watch and jewellery industry. Accredited RJC members commit both to establishing strict guidelines for ethical, social and environmental practices in their value chains and to guaranteeing the protection of human rights. The main purpose of RJC certification is to ensure that companies do not procure or make use of conflict resources (diamonds, gold and other precious metals).
IWC requires suppliers to provide assurances that they comply with human rights and labour laws, and are environmentally sound. We continue to work closely with suppliers and refiners to make every possible improvement to the supply chain.
LEATHER
IWC Schaffhausen uses only leathers that fully comply with local regulatory requirements, including CITES. IWC Schaffhausen uses no skins sourced from wild, living, endangered species.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement to protect endangered and wild animal and plant species. Compliance with CITES is implemented by national authorities, including customs and excise services.
IWC requests its suppliers to provide assurance that their leather has been sourced from responsible and verified sources that do not result in converting sensitive ecosystems into grazing lands or agricultural lands for food production; and that animal welfare has been respected.
CODES OF CONDUCT
IWC Schaffhausen integrates environmental and social responsibility into its business activities whenever and wherever possible. We therefore require all our suppliers to sign the Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC). This requirement is applied for all spending categories, from direct materials to indirect materials and services. Along with this guideline, IWC is using a tracking tool to ensure a company-wide Supplier Code of Conduct status report and the possibility to perform regular CSR supplier risk analyses and establish audit plans based on these risk assessments. The SCoC focuses on our suppliers and environmental management needs and is the guideline for all of our business relationships.