Sustainability Human Rights and Supply Chain Management
Marubun Group Human Rights Policy
Basic Principles Regarding Respect for Human Rights
Guided by its purpose of “Contribute to a brighter future through technologies,” the Marubun Group aims to “Be the unrivaled and most trusted electronics trading company with unique and original values” To this end, we have established our “Charter of Corporate Conduct” and “Action Principles” as our fundamental principles, clearly articulating our commitment to upholding corporate ethics and respecting all stakeholders.
Furthermore, to realize a future where people can lead healthier, safer, more secure, comfortable, and convenient lives, we strongly recognize that the human rights of all individuals involved in the Marubun Group’s business activities and supply chain must be protected.
This policy further concretizes the principle of respect for human rights outlined in the Marubun Group’s Corporate Charter of Corporate Conduct and Action Principles, and serves as the foundation for all of the Marubun Group’s business activities.
Respect for Human Rights
The Marubun Group respects the human rights of all relevant stakeholders in its business activities and global supply chain. Specifically, we do not tolerate forced labor, child labor, discrimination, or harassment in any form.We also respect fundamental labor rights, such as the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, and strive to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Compliance with and Support for International Standards and Laws
The Marubun Group supports and respects international norms, including the “International Bill of Human Rights” and the “ILO Core Labour Standards” set forth in the “ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.” Furthermore, based on the “UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” we comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we conduct business activities. Where there is a difference between local laws and regulations and international human rights norms, we follow the higher standard, and in the event of a conflict, we respect internationally recognized human rights standards to the maximum extent possible.
Scope of Application
This policy applies to all officers and employees of the Marubun Group.
We also ask all stakeholders—including customers, suppliers, and business partners—to strive to respect human rights in accordance with this policy.
Key Human Rights Issues
In establishing a framework for human rights due diligence, the Marubun Group currently recognizes the following items as key human rights issues requiring particular attention, taking into account the nature of our business and global supply chains in the electronics industry. Going forward, through the human rights due diligence process, we will continuously identify and assess these issues and review them as necessary.
Respect for Working Conditions in the Supply Chain
We are committed to eliminating forced labor and child labor throughout the supply chain, including in manufacturing processes, and to ensuring appropriate management of working hours, fair wages, and a safe and hygienic work environment.
Responsible Mineral Sourcing
We will strive to avoid procuring products that contain conflict minerals (minerals sourced from conflict-affected or high-risk areas that pose a risk of funding armed groups, causing serious human rights abuses, corruption, or environmental destruction).
Human Rights Governance Framework
At the Marubun Group, the Sustainability Committee—chaired by the President and CEO of Marubun Corporation and composed of executive directors and department heads involved in sustainability activities—deliberates on sustainability initiatives, including human rights issues, and manages their progress. These matters are reported to the Board of Directors on a regular basis and as needed. The formulation and revision of this policy are approved by resolution of the Board of Directors of Marubun Corporation.
In addition, the Secretariat of the Sustainability Committee provides necessary instructions and communications to, and collects information from, each Marubun Group company.
Implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence
Based on the “UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” the Marubun Group will establish a framework for human rights due diligence and conduct it on an ongoing basis in order to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights impacts related to the business activities of the Group.
Correction and Remedies
The Marubun Group recognizes that its business activities may have direct or indirect adverse impacts on human rights. If it becomes clear that the Group’s business activities have caused or contributed to such adverse impacts, the Group will take prompt and appropriate measures to address the issue. In addition, the Group has established internal and external reporting and consultation channels that allow for anonymous submissions, strictly enforces confidentiality, and prohibits any adverse treatment of whistleblowers.
Dialogue and Consultation with Stakeholders
The Marubun Group will engage in dialogue and consultation with relevant stakeholders regarding its response to adverse human rights impacts (including potential ones), taking into account advice from external experts, and will strive to prevent and mitigate the risk of human rights violations.
Disclosure of Information
The Marubun Group will ensure transparency by appropriately disclosing the progress and results of its initiatives to respect human rights through Marubun Corporation’s website and other channels.
Dissemination, Awareness-Raising, and Training on the Human Rights Policy
The Marubun Group will ensure that this policy is thoroughly understood by all officers and employees and effectively implemented, and will regularly conduct appropriate training to promote respect for human rights. We will also strive to communicate the Marubun Group’s philosophy and initiatives to our business partners and other stakeholders.
Supply Chain Initiatives
Initiatives for responsible action on conflict minerals
In accordance with OECD guidelines and US laws and regulations concerning conflict minerals, we are required to disclose information on the use of conflict minerals from conflict zones and high-risk areas, and to engage in responsible minerals procurement. As sustainable procurement initiatives, we work with all parties involved in our supply chains to avoid the use of conflict minerals, and cooperate with surveys by our customers.
Management of chemical substances in products
With initiatives for the management of chemical substances spreading worldwide, addressing countries’ chemical substance management regulations has become a key issue for companies. We respond to diverse demands including chemSHERPA, JAMA sheets, ICP data, and non-use certificates, and make efforts toward the proper management of information on chemical substances contained in products and the seamless communication of information to customers.
Security export control
We recognize security export control as an item of the highest importance in risk management, and strive to comply with foreign exchange laws, national laws and regulations, and international treaties.
We have established Security Export Control Regulations under which we carry out management of all products based on parameter determination and on review of exportrelated transactions. In transactions intended for export, we properly notify customers of the results of parameter determination.
Authorized Economic Operator
We have been approved as an “Authorized Economic Operator” by Tokyo Customs. In November 2008, Marubun became the first electronics trading company to be approved by Tokyo Customs. The approval was granted in recognition of Marubun’s compliance system for export operations, including security management, as well as the absence of any irregularities as a company.
Approval as a specified exporter has the advantage of shortening export lead time. By becoming a specified exporter, you can file an export declaration and receive export approval no matter where the export cargo is located (e.g., at own factory or warehouse, or on its way to a port or airport). Furthermore, unlike the normal screening process, where export licenses are obtained after checking the actual goods and documents, export licenses are obtained simply by inputting data into a dedicated terminal for export declarations, eliminating the need to submit evidence such as proof of non-applicability. This means that export cargo can be loaded onto aircraft quickly and smoothly, and logistics costs, such as transportation fees, can be reduced.
Response to supply chain surveys by business partners
Recently, requests from business partners concerning surveys of human rights, environmental consideration, chemical substances contained in products, security export controls, and other supply chain issues have increased as business partners step up their sustainable procurement initiatives. As a responsible company supporting the supply chain, we respond with sincerity to these surveys.
■Content and number of sustainable procurement surveys from business partners
Stable supply to business partners
Based on our accumulated know-how as a Value-added Technology Distributor, we are working toward the stable supply of products by adjusting forecast data from customers and suppliers’ production plans, and by maintaining and managing appropriate inventory.
Our Logistics Center develops high-quality logistics services such as efficient picking using a barcode system and complete traceability from arrival to shipment. We achieve fast and fluid export operations, earning certification as an “Authorized Exporter” from Tokyo Customs.
In overseas, we have established a global logistics network in partnership with US-based Arrow Electronics, Inc., and provide powerful support for customers’ local procurement of components and materials.
Other initiatives
We actively undertake initiatives for the maintenance of sustainable supply chains, including Tcertification and our Quality and Environment Management System.
“Tcertification” is based on strict criteria in line with international standards, and is certified through a due diligence review, analysis, evaluation, and approval process.
Tcertification ID： TC3072-2366
Please refer to the Tctioompliance website for details.
Supply Chain Sustainable Procurement Guidelines
Our Company has set forth Supply Chain Sustainable Procurement Guidelines aimed at the construction of a management system for achieving sustainable supply chains, with laws and regulations, human rights, the environment, quality, occupational safety, information security, and other factors taken into account. We communicate this to business partners and request their cooperation in ensuring that our initiatives are carried out by our suppliers and even further upstream in supply chains.