Logistics | 5:44 February 25, 2010 | Pete Dodd | Print this story

Apple applies tougher checks on supply chain practises

Apple has uncovered evidence in its supply chain of child labour, improper hazardous waste disposal, false records and suppliers signing contracts with uncertified vendors.

The technology giant’s 2010 Supplier Responsibility progress report said the company carried out 102 vendor audits last year at facilities in countries including China and Taiwan that exposed 17 “core violations” of the firm’s supplier code of conduct.

According to the Supply Management website, Apple found three plants had hired 15-year-old workers in countries where the minimum working age is 16, although they were either no longer underage or no longer employed at the time of the audit. Apple ordered more stringent ID checks to prevent further violations.

Apple also uncovered evidence of three suppliers hiring uncertified hazardous-waste disposal companies and three cases of vendors attempting to conceal poor labour standards. Other common violations included supply chain staff working excessive overtime and in some cases not being paid properly for extra hours.

At 24 factories where workers had been paid less than the minimum wage, they were repaid and wage rates adjusted.

“Apple continues to improve and expand our supplier responsibility programme to ensure that working conditions in our supply base are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible,” the report said.