…All suppliers are contractually obliged to accept both announced and unannounced audits and controls. Over 300 audits are carried out annually, leveraging on Richemont’s Responsible Sourcing department and involving independent third parties operating according to the international SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) methodology…Each year, despite our best efforts to address identified issues, a very small number of supplier contracts are terminated due to severe non-compliance, illustrating the effectiveness of our continuous improvement process…

The decision to terminate former supplier Z Production’s contract was notified on 28 February 2023 and entered into force on 31 December 2023. The decision was made following persistent incidents of non-compliance resulting in an irredeemable loss of trust in Z Production management’s willingness to comply…

…Montblanc strongly rejects SUDD Cobas’ serious and unfounded allegation that the commercial relationship with Z Production was terminated because the Union had allegedly reached an agreement with the supplier to improve the working conditions of the six workers whom it had newly enrolled….

Montblanc Italy filed a civil astreinte injunction before the Court of Florence on 10 December 2024 against Sudd Cobas …This precautionary measure was never intended to, nor did it in any way, restrict the legitimate exercise of trade union protest or freedom of expression…