Business Partner Code of Conduct
Target’s purpose is to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. That quest is at the center of every business decision we make, including which business partners we work with. As a purpose-driven company, we seek and prioritize partnerships with those who share and uphold our values.
Our commitment to ethical business practices
Our guests place their trust in us, and we honor that trust through our commitment to doing business ethically and legally. Since the actions of our business partners reflect directly on Target, we expect our partners to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to be aligned with Target’s values. There’s a lot at stake: An unethical act or violation of law can have serious consequences for you and for Target.
Because we place such a high priority on ethical and legal conduct, we require all of our domestic and international business partners to read, understand and comply with all expectations outlined in the Business Partner Code of Conduct (BPCC), Standards of Vendor Engagement (SOVE) and all Target requirements.
The BPCC consists of seven sections:
Standards of Vendor Engagement (SOVE)
Target is committed to responsible and ethical business conduct.
Respect for human rights and environmental stewardship are fundamental principles of our business practices and standards. We expect our suppliers to share those principles and uphold our standards.
Global trade, supply chain security and sanctions
We rely on our business partners to know the product information needed to comply with U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency (PGA) import requirements or regulations. Business partners must make sure that products sold to Target comply with all applicable laws and regulations; that product markings, claims and documentation are true, accurate and supportable; and that appropriate records are maintained to validate all information provided to Target. Business partners must comply with regulations related to the disclosure of proper country of origin, PGA requirements, antidumping/countervailing duties and other trade remedies, free trade agreements, trademark laws and licensing agreements.
Product quality and safety
Guests count on Target for well-designed, high-quality products at great value. Guests also trust Target to sell products that are safe, compliant, and advertised accurately and truthfully. Business partners must help us meet that commitment by complying with Target’s Conditions of Contract and Product Safety, Quality and Regulatory program.
Target’s Conditions of Contract require business partners to guarantee that all goods sold to Target are made in compliance with all applicable laws, and that all manufacturers and subcontractors also comply with the law.
Conflicts of interest
Target has strict requirements when it comes to engaging in any activity that could create an actual or a perceived conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may arise when business decisions are influenced by, or could appear to be influenced by, relationships or activities that create bias for a specific business partner. Team members are required to prioritize Target’s business interests, and make fair and unbiased business decisions.
Business partners are prohibited from offering, promising, or providing anything of value to a Target team member, a team member’s family member, or to any third party representing Target which could influence or appear to influence business decisions or secure a business advantage. For purposes of this Code, “anything of value” includes, but is not limited to, gifts / gift cards, meals, entertainment, transportation, travel, accommodations, expenses, cash or charitable donations on behalf of Target or a team member. Target team members and third party representatives, including auditors, are also prohibited from requesting anything of value from Target business partners. Business partners must contact Ethics@target.com immediately if a Target team member or anyone working on behalf of Target makes an improper request.
Compliance with anti-corruption laws
Business partners are required to comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Under no circumstances may a business partner working for Target offer, promise or provide anything of value directly or indirectly to a government official for the purpose of exerting improper influence or to obtain an improper benefit or business advantage.
Business partners are required to complete Target’s due diligence process prior to interacting with any government official on behalf of Target.
Confidentiality, security and privacy
We know that our business partners can be even better partners when we share the right information. When Target provides business partners with confidential information, they must preserve the confidentiality of such information and use it only for the purpose for which it was provided.
Business partners must comply with all applicable security and privacy laws and regulations as well as all applicable document retention requirements. Business partners must also maintain sufficient technical security and privacy controls to protect Target’s confidential information.
Reporting violations
We require our business partners to follow all laws and the Business Partner Code of Conduct requirements. It is also their responsibility to promptly report any actual or suspected violations by a Target team member, or an individual acting on behalf of Target, or one of our business partners. For questions or to report an issue or concern, we have several resources and reporting options available.
Definition of ‘suppliers’ from Target’s Standards of Vendor Engagement: all vendors, suppliers, third-party sellers, manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors and their agents.
Good to know
If a business partner violates Target’s standards and receives “three strikes,” they are no longer eligible to do business with Target.