Mattel's Commitment to Ethics
Legal and Ethical Business Practices
Mattel favors business partners who are committed to ethical
standards that are compatible with its own. At a minimum, all
of the company’s business partners must comply with the local
and national laws of the countries in which they operate. In
addition, all the partners must respect the significance of
all patents, trademarks and copyrights of Mattel’s and other
products and support them in the protection of these valuable
assets. Finally, there are five areas that fall under legal
and ethical practices. They are: product safety and quality,
environment, customs, evaluation and monitoring, and
compliance.
First, all of Mattel’s business partners must share a commitment to product safety and quality and must adhere to workplace practices that are necessary to meet Mattel’s stringent safety and quality standards. Second, Mattel will only work with those manufacturers or suppliers who comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and who share its commitment to the environment. Third, because of the global nature of Mattel’s business and its history of leadership in this area, the company insists that all of its business partners maintain a strict adherence to all local and international customs laws. These partners must also comply with all import and export regulations. When it comes to evaluation and monitoring, Mattel audits manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with the Global Manufacturing Principles. Mattel also insists that all manufacturing facilities provide them with:
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Full access for on-site inspections by Mattel or parties designated by Mattel.
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Full access to those records that will enable the company to determine compliance with principles.
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An annual statement of compliance to Mattel’s Global Manufacturing Principles signed by an officer of the manufacturer or manufacturing facility.
Acceptance of and compliance to the Mattel Global Manufacturing Principles is part of every contract agreement signed with all of Mattel’s manufacturing business partners.