Nikon references several documents in its statement that the reader must review in order to get a full picture of how it conducts business and to what standards it holds its procurement partners accountable. The company could strive to demand more of its direct suppliers, including mandating these same requirements of those further down in its supply chain. By the same token, rather than directing the reader to its several documents, some of which are well over one hundred pages long, Nikon could explicitly state its policies, practices, etc.

In Nikon's Code of Conduct, it states that it does not tolerate forced or child labour and "kindly requests" (not the forceful language of "require") that all of its procurement partners comply with its standards.

Additionally, in the company's CSR Procurement Standards, it gently states that those involved in its supply chain are "strongly encouraged" to fulfill their social responsibility. In this same document, Nikon does state that its procurement partners must comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the countries in which they operate.

I did not see language in any of these documents requiring clauses in supplier contracts on forced slavery, let alone termination of contracts where violations of modern slavery was found. Nor did I encounter any language requiring the company's supplier to have its own statement on forced labor.

--gisellehkasim.....2016-11-06 19:00:22 UTC

The company does not have a mechanism in place through which their policies are applicable down the supply chain.