NS GROEP N.V., WITH ITS REGISTERED OFFICE IN UTRECHT, TRADE REGISTER 30124358
DECEMBER 2014
NS SUPPLIERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
The commitment of NS (NS Groep N.V. and her affiliated companies 1) to sustainability covers the entire
value chain, in which NS believes it can make a difference and promote a better and more sustainable
future. NS expects her suppliers to help achieve this goal by actively supporting the use of her values and
principles within their own organisations and value chains.
This NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct describes standards relating to NS’s commitment to sustainability. It
applies to all suppliers, including providers of goods, infrastructure, services, support and temporary
staff.
The NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct reflects elements of the United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labour Organization’s Fundamental
Conventions and other relevant international conventions, national and local regulations that apply in
various countries and jurisdictions across the globe. Furthermore, the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct is in
line with the NS General Code of Conduct. It applies in addition to the terms of all agreed and existing
contracts with the NS.
ENVIRONMENT
Climate Change. NS aims to reduce CO2 emissions and the use of natural resources by convincing
customers to travel by sustainable transport. Not only informs NS customers about the positive
sustainable aspects of travelling by train, but expects her suppliers to help continuously improve the
sustainable performance of their organisation and thus the performance of the entire supply chain.
Energy. NS aims to increase the energy efficiency of her entire business by 2% each year and of her train
services by 5% each year. NS aspires to minimise her CO2 emissions by using renewable energy. NS
suppliers must support NS in achieving this goal.
Waste. NS aims to reduce waste to a minimum in all her processes. NS sees waste as a resource that can
be reused in other processes. NS aims to improve recyclability and circular economy. NS suppliers are
expected to contribute to this goal by delivering high-quality, sustainable products and services,
minimising waste, and producing for reuse.
Companies where 50% or more of the issued share capital is owned by NS Groep N.V. and where NS Groep N.V. has
management control.
1
Initials supplier for approval:
SOCIAL
Employability. NS employees need to feel comfortable at work. There are various programmes to
support the well-being of her employees. NS suppliers are expected to provide a friendly working
environment in which all employees feel appreciated.
Health & Safety. NS aims to provide a safe and healthy workplace for her employees and customers. NS
makes continuous improvements to minimise the risk of accidents, injuries, and exposure to health risks.
NS expects that her suppliers will act similarly.
Working hours. NS expects that her suppliers will comply with the applicable working hours and
overtime laws and regulations.
Collective Bargaining Agreement. The supplier respects all applicable laws and regulations regarding
working conditions and complies with any collective bargaining agreements that may apply.
Benefits. NS expects that suppliers and their employees will refrain from offering or accepting any gifts
or inducements that could harm the business or relationships with colleagues or that could otherwise be
considered inappropriate.
Child labour & forced labour. NS prohibits the use of all forms of forced labour and physical abuse at all
her suppliers. NS expects her suppliers to respect the applicable laws and regulations regarding minimum
ages and the international conventions on child labour.
Discrimination. NS does not tolerate any form of verbal or physical harassment based on race, colour,
gender, religion, affiliation, or origin. NS expects her suppliers to act similarly.
Fundamental human rights. NS expects her suppliers to respect the fundamental human rights
described in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
BUSINESS ETHICS
Corruption and bribery. NS operates a zero tolerance policy for any form of corruption or bribery and
expects that her suppliers will act similarly.
Business environment. NS expects her suppliers to avoid conflicts of interest and to support an open,
fair and competitive business environment.
Responsible marketing practices. NS expects her suppliers to comply with all relevant applicable laws
and regulations.
PROCUREMENT IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN
The management of the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct at suppliers. Suppliers are expected to ensure
that the standards of this NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct are integrated into their own business
operations, including product development, services, and selection of suppliers.
Initials supplier for approval:
COMPLIANCE
NS suppliers are expected to respect and live by the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct at all times, and to
make it possible for NS to monitor the performance of her own suppliers in this respect. In cases where
NS suppliers bring in other suppliers to assist them in delivering services to NS, suppliers should impose
similar standards.
Whenever a supplier comes across a violation of the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct, the matter should be
brought to the attention of NS by the supplier in due course.
Whenever a supplier faces difficulties complying with certain elements of the NS Suppliers’ Code of
Conduct, NS aims to provide appropriate guidance in order to help resolve the matter.
Whenever a supplier violates the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct, NS will take appropriate measures.
These may include termination of business contracts and relationships, imposition of sanctions, taking
legal action and/or notification to the regulatory authorities.
Supplier must sign and return a copy of the NS Suppliers’ Code of Conduct. Signing the NS Suppliers’ Code
of Conduct constitutes a declaration by the supplier that it fully understands the NS Suppliers’ Code of
Conduct and will adhere to it.
For approval,
Signature:
Name of authorised representative:
Position held:
Company:
Date:
Initials supplier for approval: