Subcontractor Policy

Superdry Subcontractor Policy.

Version 3.0 Updated March 2023

Overview

Superdry recognises that, within our supply chain, there are many different businesses that add value to our products.

We recognise the presence of subcontracting in our supply chain and accept this presence where specialist components are required, or services needed which cannot be completed on the main production site.

Where production is required to be completed offsite, the supplier must ensure subcontracted units selected uphold the principles of our Ethical Trading Code of Practice – and must establish processes to continuously monitor improvement in addition to any checks completed by Superdry representatives.

As a responsible business, Superdry is committed training and working closely with our suppliers to enable the ongoing assessment and sustainable improvement of conditions within approved subcontracted units.

Suppliers are not authorised to sub-contract any part of their business related to the production of goods or services they provide either directly or indirectly to Superdry without the prior registration, written consent and/or approval of Superdry.  Similarly, sub-contractors are not authorised to sub-contract any part of their business related to the production of goods or services they provide either directly or indirectly to Superdry without the prior written consent and approval of Superdry.

Our subcontractor policy is issued to all suppliers in our Supplier Manual, which sets out the terms of our business relationship.

Definitions

• Main Production Site: (Tier 1) Factory producing finished products, including core processes and machinery to manufacture basic product requirements. This refers to primary factories for both licensees and suppliers.
• Subcontracted Unit: (Tier 2) Specialist process supplier, fabric, specialist component or branded trims supplier (Tier 3).

Detail

Subcontractors are only permitted to subcontract with our prior written consent.

• All suppliers are required to review their subcontractor register and submit applications for new factories prior to the start of each season.
• Any new subcontractors will be assessed to ensure they meet Superdry’s Code of Practice ahead of written approval being issued.
• Assessment will include evidence of supplier due diligence, registration forms and onsite visits.
• Approval is limited to a defined time period, and following expiry the supplier is required to resubmit further evidence of due diligence including registration forms and onsite visits.

Additional considerations

• Homeworking is not authorised without the prior written consent and approval of Superdry following completion of a Homeworker Assessment in line with our Homeworker Policy.
• Core processes including cutting, stitching, lasting, finishing, and packing should be completed on the production site. If the production site requires additional core capacity, the supplier is required to submit a full application for the use of a production site.
• Any production completed outside of an approved production site or approved subcontracted unit will be deemed as unauthorised subcontracting.
• We reserve the right to check production records, invoices, challans, or relevant production tracking systems during follow up visits or audits at production sites, or subcontracted units to ensure production is completed in authorised units only.
• Subcontracting with the objective of circumventing legislation with regard to labour standards, or saving costs, is not permitted and is likely to result in the termination of the supplier agreement. Suppliers are banned from placing Superdry production in any state or privately run factory or institution directly or indirectly using prison or forced labour. Any evidence or suggestion of this practice will result in the termination of our business relationship.