Responsible and sustainable

At CiTea, we strive to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and sustainability within our tea supply chain. Our code of conduct reflects our commitment to complying with Dutch trade regulations and meeting the ethical expectations of our consumers.

1. Compliance with Dutch trade regulations

CiTea fully complies with all applicable Dutch laws and regulations governing the import, export, and trade of tea. This includes:

• Adherence to fair trade practices: We ensure that our trade agreements are free from exploitation and coercion, and that they reflect fair prices for producers.
• Transparency in labeling: All tea products are labeled with clear and accurate information regarding origin, ingredients, and certification status where applicable, so that consumers can make informed choices.
• Compliance with import regulations: We guarantee that all tea products entering the Netherlands meet national import standards, food safety regulations, and EU norms.

2. Ethical sourcing and trade

Our tea is sourced from responsible suppliers who share our commitment to ethical practices. This includes:

• Fair treatment of workers: We collaborate with tea suppliers who ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and respect for workers' rights, including the prohibition of child labor and forced labor.
• Sustainable farming practices: We work with tea growers who apply sustainable agricultural methods, minimize environmental impact, conserve water, and promote biodiversity.
• Community involvement: Our suppliers must actively contribute to the well-being of their local communities, ensuring that the social and economic benefits of tea production are distributed fairly.

3. Environmental sustainability

Sustainability is central to CiTea's mission. We aim to minimize our ecological footprint by:

• Eco-friendly packaging: All packaging materials used by CiTea are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from sustainably sourced materials.
• Carbon reduction initiatives: We continually seek ways to reduce CO2 emissions in our supply chain, from production to distribution.
• Responsible waste management: We ensure that our operations, as well as those of our suppliers, adhere to best practices for waste reduction and management, aiming for zero waste to landfills.

4. Transparency and trust for consumers

CiTea highly values transparency in our interactions with consumers. We promise:

• Certifications and traceability: All tea sold by CiTea is sourced from certified ethical suppliers.
• Product quality assurance: We ensure that every batch of tea we trade meets our strict quality control standards, from leaf to cup.
• Ethical marketing practices: CiTea will never engage in misleading marketing or misrepresentation of its products. We respect the trust our consumers place in us.

5. Anti-corruption and fair competition

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all our business activities:

• Zero tolerance for corruption: CiTea strictly prohibits any form of bribery, kickbacks, or illegal payments related to our business activities, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
• Fair competition: We compete in the market fairly and ethically, avoiding actions that could distort competition or harm the reputation of the industry.

6. Continuous improvements

CiTea strives to continuously assess and improve its ethical practices, in line with evolving consumer expectations and best practices in the tea industry:

• Monitoring and audits: Independent third parties are commissioned to regularly conduct audits and assessments of our suppliers to ensure they comply with our code of conduct and its standards.
• Open dialogue: We maintain open lines of communication with consumers, suppliers, and stakeholders to promote transparency and address any concerns or suggestions for improving our ethical standards.

7. Compliance and reporting

• Whistleblower protection: CiTea encourages reporting of any violations of this code of conduct through a confidential reporting mechanism. Employees, suppliers, or partners can report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
• Corrective actions: If a supplier or partner is found to be in violation of this code of conduct, CiTea reserves the right to take immediate corrective action, including suspension or termination of contracts.

Conclusion

At CiTea, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond profit. By adhering to this code of conduct, we commit to fair trade practices, sustainable growth, and the well-being of those who contribute to the tea industry. Together with our partners and consumers, we aim to build a tea sector that is fair, sustainable, and transparent for all.