Veloso Green Coffee Exportação LTDA Supplier Code of Conduct

Respect for Human and Labor Rights

I. Prohibition of Child Labor

Child labor is prohibited. The minimum age for employment is 15 years, or higher, according to local legislation. Children may perform light work that does not harm their schooling or health, following local laws and ILO conventions. For hazardous work, the minimum age is 18, ensuring protection of health and safety.

II. Prohibition of Forced Labor

All forms of forced labor, trafficking, slavery, or involuntary work are prohibited. Work must be voluntary, with free and informed consent. The use of violence, physical punishment, or intimidation is strictly prohibited, in accordance with ILO Conventions No. 29 and 105 and local legislation.

III. Protection Against Discrimination and Harassment

Suppliers must promote equality and protect their employees from discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment based on gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, belief, marital status, political opinion, or union membership. This applies especially to hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, and termination.

IV. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Suppliers must respect employees’ right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, in accordance with local laws and regulations. In countries where union activity is illegal or restricted, suppliers must allow employees to freely choose their representatives to discuss labor-related matters.

V. Working Hours

Working hours, including overtime, must comply with the Brazilian Labor Code (CLT), sector standards, and collective agreements, following whichever rule is most restrictive. Employees may not be required to exceed legal limits established by local legislation or ILO conventions. Overtime must be voluntary and compensated with the legally required premium. Weekly paid rest must be guaranteed, ensuring at least one day off after six consecutive days of work, in addition to paid holidays and vacation as required by law.

VI. Compensation

Suppliers must ensure fair wages and benefits, in accordance with local legislation, sector standards, and applicable collective agreements for all workers, including migrants and seasonal employees. Remuneration must cover basic needs and allow for some discretionary income. Payments must be made regularly, at least monthly, and disciplinary deductions from wages are prohibited.

VII. Safe Working Environment

Suppliers must comply with local health and safety regulations, adopting practical measures to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. They must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge, when necessary, and conduct regular safety training. Suppliers must also ensure access to drinking water and clean sanitation facilities for all workers.

Respect for Land Rights of Local Communities

Suppliers must respect all legitimate land ownership rights, including customary rights and those of Indigenous Peoples, in line with international best practices. When land-use changes occur, free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) must be guaranteed for affected parties. Additionally, mechanisms for complaints and conflict resolution must be implemented, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous people, women, and impoverished communities, to avoid negative impacts on their livelihoods, health, and safety.

Legal Compliance and Ethical Practices

Veloso Green Coffee expects its suppliers to comply with the principles of this Code, acting as positive examples within the coffee sector. This includes compliance with all local laws and regulations related to commerce, food safety, data protection, privacy, intellectual property, and competition. We do not tolerate unethical practices such as bribery, corruption, or money laundering. Suppliers must also disclose and avoid conflicts of interest in their relationships with Veloso Green Coffee.

Environmental Protection

I. Efficient Use of Resources

Whenever possible, suppliers must minimize and optimize the use of natural resources (e.g., water, fossil fuels, soil) in their operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

II. Safe Use of Hazardous Substances and Product Safety

Suppliers are responsible for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances and chemicals, ensuring they do not pollute the environment or cause harm to human health, fauna, flora, or soil. Only legally registered agrochemicals for coffee cultivation may be used in the country. Workers must be trained regularly on the safe handling of such substances.

Additionally, coffee supplied to Veloso Green Coffee must not be genetically modified and must comply with applicable laws and certifications regarding residue limits (MRLs) in beans.

III. Responsible Waste Management

Waste must be avoided or reduced whenever possible. Solid waste, wastewater, and other residues must be properly treated before disposal, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Whenever possible, materials should be reused, composted, recovered, or recycled.

IV. Protection of Forests and Ecosystems

Suppliers must ensure that no forest loss occurs from conversion for coffee production or processing after December 31, 2020, in accordance with Brazilian laws—such as Law No. 9.605 of February 12, 1998—and must ensure the preservation of protected areas. All business decisions must consider international conventions, local regulations, and additional requirements such as the European Union Regulation on deforestation-free products (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of May 31, 2023).

Veloso Green Coffee Contact Information
Phone: +55 (34) 3851-7500
Email: sustentabilidade@veloso.com.br
Address: Av. João Batista da Silva, 801, Carmo do Paranaíba, MG, Brazil

Publication Date: October 28, 2024