California Transparency Act

Lindt & Sprüngli is committed to protecting human rights throughout its global operations and ensuring that its supply chains are managed in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner. The company recognizes that preventing forced labor, human trafficking, and modern slavery requires continuous attention, strong standards, and cooperation with suppliers, employees, and business partners. Through established policies, monitoring systems, and educational programs, Lindt & Sprüngli works to create a supply network where respect for human dignity remains a fundamental priority.

A key part of this commitment is the Supplier Code of Conduct, which defines the expectations that suppliers must follow when working with the company. This framework requires business partners to respect applicable laws and internationally recognized human rights principles. Suppliers are expected to maintain responsible labor practices, provide safe working conditions, and avoid any form of exploitation, including forced labor, child labor, or human trafficking. By establishing clear requirements, the company creates a shared understanding of ethical responsibilities across different regions and business relationships.

Maintaining responsible supply chains requires regular evaluation and improvement. Lindt & Sprüngli conducts risk assessments to identify areas where suppliers may face challenges in meeting required standards. These reviews help the company understand potential risks, determine where additional support may be needed, and develop appropriate actions to improve compliance. When concerns are discovered, suppliers may receive guidance and support to strengthen their practices and align their operations with the company’s expectations.

Independent verification also plays an important role in maintaining supply chain integrity. The company may use external specialists and third-party assessments to review supplier performance and confirm that established requirements are being followed. These evaluations provide additional oversight and help identify areas where improvements can be made. Through ongoing monitoring and assessment, Lindt & Sprüngli works to ensure that ethical standards remain active throughout its supplier network.

Supplier audits are an essential tool for identifying and addressing potential risks. The company maintains the ability to conduct or arrange inspections of supplier facilities to evaluate compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers considered higher risk may receive additional attention through closer monitoring, external reviews, and corrective action plans. These processes help ensure that concerns related to labor practices, human rights, and workplace conditions are addressed appropriately.

Suppliers are expected to actively support these principles by accepting the requirements of the Supplier Code of Conduct and communicating them throughout their own organizations. This includes ensuring that employees, contractors, subcontractors, and related business partners understand the standards they are expected to follow. Suppliers must take appropriate steps to prevent violations and maintain responsible practices throughout their operations. Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective measures or the ending of business relationships when serious issues remain unresolved.

Lindt & Sprüngli also applies strong ethical expectations internally. Employees across the organization are required to follow the company’s Business Code of Conduct, which provides guidance on responsible decision-making, legal compliance, and professional behavior. Leadership teams are responsible for promoting awareness of these standards, supporting employee understanding, and responding appropriately when violations occur. Depending on the seriousness of an issue, corrective actions may include additional training, disciplinary measures, or termination of employment.

Education and training are important elements of the company’s approach to preventing exploitation. Employees, suppliers, and participants in agricultural programs receive information about human rights responsibilities, ethical sourcing principles, and the importance of preventing forced labor. These learning opportunities help ensure that individuals involved at different stages of the supply chain understand their role in maintaining responsible business practices.

The company’s efforts extend across various sourcing programs and supplier relationships around the world. Initiatives involving agricultural partners, raw material suppliers, and production networks are supported through monitoring and engagement designed to encourage responsible practices. By working closely with suppliers and communities, Lindt & Sprüngli seeks to improve transparency and promote better standards throughout its global operations.

Through supplier requirements, regular assessments, independent reviews, employee accountability, and ongoing training, Lindt & Sprüngli continues to strengthen its approach to responsible sourcing. The company believes that protecting human rights is an ongoing responsibility that requires cooperation, awareness, and continuous improvement. By maintaining strong ethical expectations across its supply chain, Lindt & Sprüngli works to support a future where products are created through fair practices and where every individual involved in the process is treated with respect and dignity.