This Whirlpool Corporation Supplier Code of Conduct ("Code") formalizes the key principles under which suppliers to Whirlpool Corporation and its global subsidiaries ("Whirlpool") are required to operate.
Whirlpool established its Supplier Code of Conduct in 2006, formalizing key ethical principles under which our suppliers are required to operate. In selecting suppliers, Whirlpool works hard to choose reputable business partners who are committed to ethical standards and business practices compatible with those of Whirlpool. One tenet of that Supplier Code of Conduct is that Whirlpool Suppliers must not use any type of involuntary or forced labor; this prohibits, among other things, slave labor or business practices which in any way rely on, or encourage, human trafficking. Our Code of Conduct also requires suppliers to comply with all applicable local laws in the country or countries in which they operate.
Whirlpool is presently developing e-learning courses for our sourcing professionals to educate them on the requirements of our Supplier Code of Conduct. We anticipate rolling out these courses in the second quarter of 2012. This year, in addition to requesting our suppliers to certify their compliance with our Code of Conduct, we plan on undertaking sample independent audits of our suppliers’ practices.
A material failure to comply with our Code of Conduct may result in the termination of our relationship with a supplier, as may be permitted by applicable law.