Question 1

What is a Supply Chain Code of Conduct and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Embedding responsible business practices into corporate policy is a core element of human rights and environmental due diligence, as set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/in/UNGP-Brochure.pdf)(UNGPs) and the OECD Guidance for Multinational Enterprises.(https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2023/06/oecd-guidelines-for-multinational-enterprises-on-responsible-business-conduct_a0b49990.html) These frameworks underpin emerging human rights and environmental legislation across multiple jurisdictions.

A Supply Chain Code of Conduct translates these expectations into practice. It sets out the ethical, social, environmental, and legal standards suppliers are expected to meet, integrating responsible business principles into operational and decision-making processes - from supplier selection and collaboration conditions to ongoing compliance.

Question 2

With many individual companies and industry organisations already having established their own Codes of Conduct, why did companies co-develop a unified Supply Chain Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Many companies and industry organisations already have Supply Chain Codes of Conduct. Aligning these into a shared framework increases clarity and consistency across the supply chain, supports more efficient implementation, and allows companies and suppliers to focus on meeting clearly defined expectations. Most importantly, it helps ensure that everyone across the supply chain is working toward the same standards for responsible business practices.

Question 3

How was the Cycling Industry Supply Chain Code of Conduct developed?

Accepted Answer

Canyon led the development process in close partnership with a group of cycling industry companies and organisations, bringing together diverse expertise on human rights due diligence and environmental responsibility to shape the Code of Conduct. 
CORE – The Human Side of Business,(https://peopleatcore.com/) an independent business and human rights consultancy, conducted an external review to support closer alignment of the Code of Conduct with international business and human rights standards.

Question 4

How will the Code be put into practice across global supply chains?

Accepted Answer

The companies participating in this initiative recognise that a policy outlining expectations alone is not sufficient. Effective implementation within corporate structures and processes is essential. This collaborative initiative envisions further alignment of companies on monitoring mechanisms to support an efficient and effective implementation of the Code. However, every individual company is responsible for the human rights and environmental responsibility due diligence process in its own supply chain.

Question 5

Who owns the Supply Chain Code of Conduct, and how is it governed?

Accepted Answer

The Supply Chain Code of Conduct is not owned by any single company or organisation. It is an open, industry-led initiative designed as a shared and free resource for the cycling sector. The Code is available for companies to apply on a voluntary basis, and to support the industry’s collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Responsibility for implementation, monitoring, and compliance sits entirely with each individual company that chooses to apply the Code within its own supply chain. There is no central body overseeing or enforcing its use.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Supply Chain Code of Conduct and why is it important?

With many individual companies and industry organisations already having established their own Codes of Conduct, why did companies co-develop a unified Supply Chain Code of Conduct?

How was the Cycling Industry Supply Chain Code of Conduct developed?

How will the Code be put into practice across global supply chains?

Who owns the Supply Chain Code of Conduct, and how is it governed?