With the publication of a code of conduct in 2002, we have made clear agreements with our manufacturers and suppliers about child labour and working conditions. Since then, over 300 non-European manufacturers and suppliers have signed this code of conduct and carried out many improvements. Due to the strong growth we have experienced in the last few years, more and more frequently we purchase goods ourselves in the South and the Far East. The circumstances in which our products are manufactured, are important to us. Independent control agencies verify for us whether and how the agreements are observed.

Read the complete code of conduct .

With an eye to the conservation of its import, we invested 64,466 euros in 2010 into social controls, mainly in China but also in nine other countries. The inspections took place at 100 of the 250 suppliers of whom the group purchased non-food goods directly in 2010. They include toys, seasonal decorations and garden items that are sold at Colruyt, DreamLand, DreamBaby and ColliShop. Internationally recognised agencies checked to what degree the factories respect local legislation and the conventions of the International Labour Organization ILO. It concerns matters such as child labour, working hours, remuneration, safety and health. Two thirds of the suppliers were inspected for the first time, for one third of them it concerned follow-up inspections. In nearly all followed-up factories, the working conditions were slightly to considerably better than in 2009. We ended our collaboration with 3 suppliers where working conditions were found to be unacceptable. As well as 100 inspected companies, there were also 24 others that refused an audit. The collaboration with them has also been ended. We are satisfied with the results, but are convinced that further progress requires an effort from all players, including the local authorities.

In 2006, we cofounded the European purchase organisation Coopernic. The members only place joint orders in factories where the working conditions are acceptable or will be so in the short run. In 2010, 14 mutual suppliers within Coopernic were audited. In 2007, we also concluded a cooperation agreement with the 'Care Process' of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) in which toy manufacturers commit themselves to have their products manufactured only in decent circumstances. In 2010, 115 audits were executed, all of which were found to be positive.