/CSR

Introduction

This Ciszere Compliance Agreement outlines the policies and legal requirements that govern our collaboration with suppliers. As a supplier to Ciszere, you are required to review and acknowledge the following documents:

• Appendix A – Ciszere Compliance Agreement
• Appendix B – Ciszere Supplier Guidelines
• Appendix C – Ciszere Chemical restrictions

Ciszere values a close, smooth, and productive relationship with its suppliers, which is essential for consistently delivering high-quality products to our customers. We take pride in our offerings and expect you to share the same pride in what you deliver to us.

Our products embody key values such as modern tailoring, sustainable fashion, and Scandinavian design heritage. These principles should guide you throughout the production process, from initial communication to the final delivery, ensuring our customers receive the highest quality garments on time, every time.

Therefore, it is crucial that all the requirements outlined in this agreement are adhered to with your full attention. 

1. Social Compliance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
At Ciszere, a core principle is ensuring that you, as a supplier, conduct your business and production in compliance with national laws and regulations, and in a sustainable manner.

We are committed to social responsibility throughout our production processes, continuously striving to create a safe and enjoyable workplace for all employees. We aim to involve all employees, suppliers, and customers in producing a durable product manufactured under fair and safe conditions.

Ciszere has implemented a Social Compliance Policy based on our company values, the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, fundamental human rights (as outlined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights), and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 32.1). By signing this agreement, you confirm that your business and production units adhere to the Ciszere policy, ILO standards, and the relevant UN Conventions.

1.1 Child Labour
Child labour is strictly prohibited. All employees must meet the minimum legal working age in accordance with applicable laws. We support apprenticeship programs as permitted by local legislation.

1.2 Voluntary Labour
Ciszere prohibits any form of forced or compulsory labour, including slavery, human trafficking, or servitude for debt. Employment should be accepted voluntarily by all employees.

1.3 Equal Opportunity and Gender Fairness
Employment should be based on the ability to perform the job, with equal opportunities provided to all employees. Discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, is strictly prohibited.

1.4 Dignity and Respect
Ciszere is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We expect the same standards to be upheld by all our supply chain partners.

1.5 Disciplinary Practices
Suppliers must not engage in or tolerate physical punishment, unreasonable wage deductions, or any form of abuse, whether physical, mental, sexual, or verbal. Disciplinary measures should be fair, consistent, and progressive.

1.6 Women Workers
Women workers should be treated with dignity and respect, and provided equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, wages, benefits, and work assignments.

1.7 Working Hours and Rest Days
Suppliers are expected to comply with legal working hours and ensure that overtime is voluntary, fully compensated, and used only as necessary.

1.8 Wages and Benefits
Fair wages should be guaranteed for all employees, with payments at or above the minimum legal or prevailing industry rates, whichever is higher. Employees must receive all benefits mandated by law, including overtime premiums.

1.9 Freedom of Association
Suppliers are expected to guarantee their employees the freedom to join unions or other work-related associations and to engage in collective bargaining, in accordance with local laws.

1.10 Environment, Health, and Safety
Suppliers must comply with all national and local environmental, health, and safety laws, providing a safe and healthy workplace and committing to environmental protection.

2. Environment and Chemical Restrictions 

Environmental Responsibility
Ciszere requires that your environmental practices comply with current national legislation, EU regulations, and voluntary initiatives. Our requirements reflect an awareness of how chemicals impact human health and the environment, aligning with the increasing quality demands of consumers.

Environmental/Chemicals Policy
Suppliers must continuously improve their practices to ensure product safety and quality, thereby reducing environmental impact. Compliance with the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is mandatory. Suppliers must stay informed about REACH updates and ensure that all materials comply with its requirements.

2.1 Animal Materials

Animal Welfare
Suppliers must ensure that all products comply with Swedish and EU legislation regarding animal welfare. Materials must come from animals bred for meat production, and suppliers must provide documentary evidence of this when requested.

Leather and Fur
Only leather and fur from animals bred for meat production are permitted. Suppliers must provide documentation on the country of origin and species of the animal. The use of cat and dog leather is strictly prohibited.

Down and Feathers
Down and feathers must not be sourced from birds that have been live-plucked or force-fed. Only birds bred for meat production may be used. Suppliers must provide certification that meets the Responsible Down Standard or equivalent.

Merino Wool
All merino wool must be sourced from mulesing-free sheep. Suppliers must provide documentation supporting this.

Angora Wool
Angora wool must be sourced from rabbits kept under good conditions, with no live plucking. Suppliers must provide certification proving compliance.

Endangered Species
No materials from endangered species, as listed by the IUCN or CITES, may be used in our products.

Unannounced Inspections
Ciszere reserves the right to conduct unannounced inspections at any stage of production to ensure compliance with this agreement. If any violations are found, Ciszere may cancel the order and take legal action.

3. Environment and Chemical Restrictions 

Environmental Responsibility
Ciszere requires that your environmental practices comply with current national legislation, EU regulations, and voluntary initiatives. Our requirements reflect an awareness of how chemicals impact human health and the environment, aligning with the increasing quality demands of consumers.

Environmental/Chemicals Policy
Suppliers must continuously improve their practices to ensure product safety and quality, thereby reducing environmental impact. Compliance with the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is mandatory. Suppliers must stay informed about REACH updates and ensure that all materials comply with its requirements.

Introduction

Ciszere is committed to producing high-quality, sustainable fashion that embodies modern tailoring and Scandinavian design heritage. To achieve this, we rely on our suppliers to adhere to strict guidelines that ensure consistency, quality, and compliance throughout the entire supply chain. This document outlines the expectations and procedures that all Ciszere suppliers must follow, from the initial order to the final delivery of products.

1. Quality Requirements and Test Routines

1.1 General Quality Standards
Ciszere places a strong emphasis on quality, requiring that all materials and finished products meet our rigorous standards. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that all fabrics, trims, and accessories are tested and comply with Ciszere’s specifications. Any materials that fail to meet these standards must be rejected and replaced at the supplier’s expense.

1.2 Testing Procedures Suppliers must conduct comprehensive testing of all materials and finished products, adhering to international standards such as ISO, AATCC, or equivalent. Testing should cover aspects such as colorfastness, shrinkage, strength, and other relevant properties. Test reports must be provided to Ciszere for review before production begins.

1.3 Inspection and Quality Control Ciszere requires suppliers to implement robust quality control processes throughout production. This includes in-line inspections during manufacturing and a final inspection before shipment. Any defects or non-conformities must be corrected before products are shipped to Ciszere.

2. Order and Order Confirmation

2.1 Order Placement Ciszere will provide detailed purchase orders (POs) outlining the specific requirements for each order, including quantities, specifications, delivery dates, and other pertinent details. Suppliers must review these POs carefully and confirm all details in writing before proceeding with production.

2.2 Confirmation of Orders Once the order is reviewed, suppliers must confirm their acceptance of the order within 48 hours. This confirmation should include a clear acknowledgment of all terms, including any potential issues or questions that may need resolution before production begins. 

3. Sample Procedure

3.1 Submission of Samples Before mass production, suppliers are required to submit pre-production samples that accurately represent the final product. These samples must conform to all Ciszere specifications, including fabric, color, fit, and workmanship.

3.2 Sample Approval Ciszere will review the submitted samples and provide feedback or approval. No production should commence until written approval is received from Ciszere. Any deviations from the approved sample in the final product will be grounds for rejection.

4. Time and Action Plan

4.1 Production Timeline Suppliers must provide a detailed Time and Action Plan (T&A) for each order, outlining key milestones from material sourcing to final delivery. This plan should include deadlines for sample submissions, production start, in-line inspections, and shipment.

4.2 Adherence to Schedule Timeliness is critical to Ciszere’s operations. Suppliers are expected to adhere strictly to the agreed-upon timeline. Any delays must be communicated immediately to Ciszere, along with a proposed solution to meet the final delivery date.

5. Labels and Hangtags

5.1 Branding and Legal Requirements All products must include labels and hangtags that comply with Ciszere’s branding guidelines and legal requirements. This includes accurate care instructions, fiber content, country of origin, and size labels. Nominated supplier is used for all orders. 

6. Bulk and Trims Approval Before Production

6.1 Bulk Material Approval Suppliers must obtain approval from Ciszere for all bulk materials before proceeding with full-scale production. This ensures that all materials used meet Ciszere’s quality standards and specifications.

6.2 Trims Approval In addition to bulk materials, all trims, including buttons, zippers, and embellishments, must be approved by Ciszere before being used in production. Suppliers should provide samples and specifications for review.

7. Packing and Marking

7.1 Packing Requirements Ciszere requires that all products be packed according to our specific guidelines to ensure they are protected during transit. This includes using appropriate packaging materials, packing garments in the correct manner, and ensuring that all shipments are properly sealed.

7.2 Marking and Labeling Shipments must be clearly marked with all relevant information, including the order number, product description, and destination. Suppliers must follow Ciszere’s packing and marking instructions carefully to prevent any issues during delivery.

8. Delivery Routine

8.1 Delivery Schedule Timely delivery is crucial to Ciszere’s operations. Suppliers must adhere to the agreed delivery schedule, ensuring that all products arrive on time and in perfect condition. Any potential delays or issues in the delivery process must be communicated promptly to Ciszere.

8.2 Shipping Documentation Suppliers are responsible for providing all necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading, packing lists, and invoices. These documents must be accurate and complete to ensure smooth customs clearance and delivery.

9. Payment and Invoice

9.1 Invoicing Procedures Suppliers must submit invoices that accurately reflect the goods delivered, including quantities, prices, and any applicable taxes or fees. Invoices should be submitted promptly after shipment to ensure timely payment.

9.2 Payment Terms Ciszere will process payments according to the terms agreed upon in the purchase order. Any discrepancies in invoicing must be resolved before payment is issued. Suppliers are expected to maintain accurate records and provide any necessary documentation to support their invoices. 

3. CHEMICAL RESTRICTIONS

3.1 General

Ciszere AB strive to minimize the impact on the environment caused by the production of products and its components. It is equally important that the production is safe for people involved in the production chain and that the final products are safe for the customer to use.

This document contains information to suppliers (producers, importers and traders) regarding legal requirements and restricted substances in products purchased by Ciszere. This document is applicable to all orders and products delivered to Ciszere . The supplier is obliged to inform all its sub-suppliers and subcontractors of the chemical requirements throughout the supply chain and enforce full implementation of the same.

3.2 Obligations

By signing Ciszere general terms and condition the supplier is obliged to:
• Ensure that all products and orders produced for Ciszere comply with Ciszeres Chemical Restrictions.

• Secure that Ciszeres articles or parts of Ciszere articles comply in all respects with REACH Annex XVII1, the POPs Regulation2 and any other European legislation3relevant for Ciszere articles or parts of Ciszere articles.

• Secure that no substances on the Candidate list4is present in Ciszere articles or parts of Ciszere articles at a content above 0.1% by weight, or above any stricter limit value specified in the latest version of MQ restricted substances list.

• Carry out own risk assessments and self-reference tests of products and/or materials for chemical content and other aspects as necessary, at the supplier’s own expense.

1 Annex XVII to REACH (restricted substances) https://echa.europa.eu/substances-restricted-under-reach
2 The POPs regulation, https://echa.europa.eu/sv/pops-legislation
3 Directives which include chemical restrictions/demands and which may be relevant; RoHS directive, Product Safety directive, Personal protective equipment directive(PPE), Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. 4 The Candidate list of substances for authorization, https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidate-list-table

3.3 Legal background

REACH

The EU’s Chemicals legislation REACH ((EC) No 1907/20065), aims to ensure a high level of safety for human health and environment, focused on chemicals in general and hazardous substances in particular. REACH is an abbreviation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restrictions of Chemicals. REACH affects all EU actors that professionally manufacture, import, sell, buy, distribute or use chemicals as such or in articles. Manufactures of chemicals and importers of chemicals and articles have a duty to register substances. For importers of articles, registration requirements apply only to substances intentionally released from articles.

Restricted substances
Annex XVII to REACH6lists substances that are restricted in articles.

Duty to inform about substances on the Candidate List
All EU actors that professionally manufacture, import, sell, or distribute articles, are legally obliged to inform their customer about the presence of substances of very high concern7 (SVHC) in the articles. Consumers shall be provided with the information upon request.

POPs regulation (POPs)

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants8is an international environmental treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs. It is implemented in the European law via the so-called POPs regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/10219). The POPs regulation include restrictions on certain substances in articels.

Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR)

The Biocidal Product Regulation (Regulation (EU) 528/201210) concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, which are used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against harmful organisms, like pests or bacteria, by the action of the active substances contained in the biocidal product. The BPR also sets rules for the use of articles treated with, or intentionally incorporating, one or more biocide.

5 The REACH regulation, https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/legislation
6 Annex XVII to REACH (restricted substances) https://echa.europa.eu/substances-restricted-under-reach
7 The Candidate list of substances for authorization, https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidate-list-table
8 The Stockholm Convention on POPs, http://chm.pops.int
9 The POPs regulation, https://echa.europa.eu/sv/pops-legislation
10 The Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR), https://echa.europa.eu/sv/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/legislation

EU legislation on reporting in the SCIP Database

According to the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC11) articles placed on the EU market must be notified in the SCIP Database12 if they contain substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the Candidate List at a concentration above 0.1% by weight.

EU Legislation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPW)

The Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/EC13) includes demands on weight and volume of packaging, content of hazardous substances in the packaging material and its components and the design of reusable or recoverable packaging. Please note, that
packaging materials also needs to comply with REACH.

EU rules on product safety

The rules on product safety are defined in the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD, Directive 2001/95/EC14). Under the directive a product is safe if it meets all statutory safety requirements under European or national law. Businesses must;

• only place products which are safe on the market,
• inform consumers of any risks associated with the products they supply,
• and make sure any dangerous products present on the market can be traced so they can be removed to avoid any risks to consumers. CLP-Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

The Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures aligns existing EU legislation to the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System (GHS) 15. CLP is legally binding across the Member States and directly applicable to all industrial sectors. It requires manufacturers, importers or downstream users of substances or mixtures to classify, label and package their hazardous chemicals appropriately before placing them on the market.

11 The Waste Framework directive, Article 9(1)(i), https://echa.europa.eu/sv/wfd-legislation
12 The SCIP database, https://echa.europa.eu/sv/scip
13 The Packaging and Packaging Waste directive, Latest consolidated version by 2021-03-17: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A01994L0062-20180704 14 The General Product Safety Directive, https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/product-safety-and-requirements/product safety/consumer-product- safety_en?msclkid=e7d33273b71611ec878967bcb76462d9#the-general-product-safety-directive 15 https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/chemicals/legislation_en

EU Regulation on Detergents and Cleaning Products

The regulation of detergents and cleaning products (EC) No 648/200416 concerns all products used for cleaning solid surfaces, clothes, textiles and houeshold utensils. The regulation sets rules for biodegradeability, maximum phosphorous content, mandatory publishment of ingredients list on website, dosage information, etc. Please note, that detergents and cleaning products also needs to comply with REACH.

16 Regulation - 648/2004 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu) 3.4 Guidance Restricted substances list

Chemical: Individual substances or substances groups covered by Ciszere Restricted substances list. CAS RN: Chemical abstract services registration number.
Category: Identified area of use (does not exclude the possibility of occurrence in other areas of use).

Requirement: Ciszere:s chemical requirement.
Test method: Standardized test methods (e.g. EN, ISO) or test equipments (e.g. GC, LC, ICP)
LOQ: Limit of Quantification (lowest concentration that can be reliably quantified by an analytic procedure).

Relationship between units:

1000 mg/kg equals 1000 ppm (parts per million 1 000 000 μg/kg (microgram per kilogram) 0.1 % (by weight)

x μg/m2(x depends on the thickness of the fabric)