Electronics Watch Contract Conditions and Code
The Contract Conditions
The Contract Conditions provide a framework for monitoring and addressing human rights issues in public sector supply chains. They set out the obligations of the parties to the contract (i.e., the contracting authority and their contractors) and establish a framework for collaboration to address the identified issues. The Conditions are designed to function in a system with the Electronics Watch Code. However, they may be used in conjunction with an equivalent code of conduct when that isn't possible.
The Contract Conditions are consistent with Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement and reflect international guidance on business and human rights, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises.
The Code
The Electronics Watch Code sets out the Commitments of the Contractor in relation to the provision of Goods and/or Services provided on the Contract. These Commitments are based on the relevant laws, International Standards and related guidances. The Electronics Watch Contract Conditions require contractors to uphold the commitments in the Code. Although these two documents are designed to be used together, the Code also functions as a stand-alone document as it serves as the basis for monitoring undertaken by Electronics Watch and its partners.
In an effort to harmonise standards in the market, the Code draws heavily on other codes of conduct, particularly the ETI Base Code. For each area, the requirements in the Code either align with or exceed those in the ETI Base Code.
Application of the Contract Conditions and Code
The Contract Conditions and Code are intended for inclusion in contracts between Electronics Watch affiliates and their contractors involving the products that are within the scope of monitoring performed by Electronics Watch. They may also be used as general references or templates to support the development and implementation of socially responsible public procurement. Guidance on how to interpret and use these documents is forthcoming.
Thanks to contributors
Electronics Watch is grateful to the organisations whose representatives participated in the development and review of the Code and Contract Conditions including: the Responsible Contracting Project, the Ethical Trading Initiative, Region Stockholm, the City of Oslo, Clyde & Co., ITDZ-Berlin, APUC, KU Leuven, the Dutch Government, Griffth University, Curtin University, Transport for London, and Julie Petticrew.