Responsible Sourcing Policy

Purpose

This policy defines how vendors are expected to source raw materials, components, and finished products sold through Gephra Sustaina. The goal is to ensure ethical, environmentally conscious sourcing that protects communities, workers, and ecosystems.

Scope

Applies to:

• •All vendors on the platform
• •All product categories
• •Raw and processed materials

Core Principles

Human Rights & Safe Working Conditions

Vendors must source from suppliers who:

• •respect human rights,
• •prohibit forced or child labor,
• •provide safe working environments,
• •and pay legal minimum wages at a minimum.

Traceability

Vendors must provide accurate information on:

• •where materials come from,
• •who manufactures products,
• •and the stages involved in the supply chain.

For high-risk categories (e.g., palm oil, textiles, minerals), enhanced documentation may be required.

Environmental Responsibility

Vendors must:

• •minimize pollution and waste,
• •use legally harvested natural resources,
• •avoid illegal deforestation,
• •and comply with local environmental laws.

Local & Fair Sourcing Preference

Gephra Sustaina encourages:

• •sourcing within Africa wherever possible,
• •supporting cooperatives, smallholder farmers, and rural producers,
• •and transparent community benefit sharing.

Prohibited Sourcing

Products cannot include:

• •illegally logged timber,
• •conflict minerals without traceability,
• •wildlife or endangered species products,
• •materials produced using forced labor.

Verification & Audits

Gephra may request:

• •invoices,
• •certificates,
• •supply chain maps,
• •or third-party verification for credibility protection.

Vendors found providing false sourcing information may be removed.

Continuous Improvement

Sustainability is a journey, not an entry barrier. Vendors without full traceability today may join as long as:

• •claims are honest,
• •practices show improvement,
• •and data is updated when available.