Fila Group Australia Pty Ltd
Document Reference: ESP01-07042026
1. Our Commitment
Fila Group Australia Pty Ltd ("Fila Group Australia") is the Australian subsidiary of the F.I.L.A. Group (Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A.), one of the world's leading enterprises in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of tools for creative expression. We distribute products across Australia under brands including Canson, Arches, Daler Rowney, Princeton, Giotto, DAS, Lyra, and DOMS.
We are committed to sourcing and distributing products that are made responsibly — with respect for human rights, fair labour practices, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and ethical business conduct. This commitment extends across our entire supply chain, from the raw materials used in our products to the way they are manufactured, transported, and delivered to our customers.
This Ethical Sourcing Policy sets out the standards we expect of ourselves and of every supplier, manufacturer, and business partner involved in bringing our products to the Australian market.
2. Governing Framework
Our ethical sourcing commitments are not standalone — they are embedded within a broader governance structure established by the F.I.L.A. Group at the global level. The key documents that underpin this policy are:
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Document
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Purpose
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F.I.L.A. Group Ethics Code
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Establishes the values, principles, and standards of conduct that govern the behaviour of all employees, officers, and anyone operating on behalf of the Group
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Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners
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Sets out the specific requirements that all suppliers, contractors, consultants, and subcontractors must meet as a condition of doing business with the F.I.L.A. Group (approved by the Board of Directors of F.I.L.A. S.p.A.)
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F.I.L.A. Group Human Rights & Labour Policy
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Defines the Group's commitments on human rights, labour standards, and safe workplaces
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F.I.L.A. Group Sustainable Procurement Policy
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Guides procurement decisions to integrate sustainability considerations alongside quality, cost, and reliability
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F.I.L.A. Group Environmental Policy
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Sets out the Group's approach to reducing the environmental impact of its operations, supply chain, and products
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2021–2025 Sustainability Plan
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Integrates sustainability issues into every corporate activity as part of the Group's Strategic Plan
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These policies are inspired by and aligned with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.
3. Human Rights and Labour Standards
Respect for human rights is a non-negotiable requirement across our supply chain. The F.I.L.A. Group's Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners requires all addressees — including suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and their subcontractors — to uphold the following standards:
3.1 Prohibition of Child Labour
The use of child labour in any form is strictly prohibited. All suppliers must comply with the minimum working age requirements established by the laws of the country in which they operate and, at a minimum, with the standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Where local law permits employment of young workers, suppliers must ensure that such employment does not interfere with their education and is not harmful to their health or development.
3.2 Prohibition of Forced Labour
Forced, bonded, indentured, or involuntary labour of any kind is strictly prohibited. Workers must not be required to surrender identity documents, pay recruitment fees, or accept conditions that restrict their freedom of movement. All work must be voluntary, and workers must be free to leave employment upon reasonable notice.
3.3 Fair Wages and Working Hours
All workers must receive at least the national minimum wage applicable in their jurisdiction, paid in full and on time. Working hours must comply with legally defined limits. Overtime must be voluntary and compensated in accordance with applicable law.
3.4 Freedom of Association
Workers must be free to join or form trade unions and to bargain collectively in accordance with the laws of the country in which they work. Where the right to freedom of association is restricted by law, suppliers must not obstruct alternative means of independent and free association.
3.5 Non-Discrimination
The F.I.L.A. Group and its suppliers reject any form of discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, or retirement based on opinions regarding politics or trade unions, religion, racial or ethnic background, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, health, marital status, disability, physical appearance, social or economic status, or any other individual characteristic. All employment decisions must be based on merit, qualifications, and business need.
3.6 Dignity and Respect
All workers must be treated with dignity and respect. Any form of physical, verbal, or psychological harassment, abuse, or intimidation is prohibited. Disciplinary practices must be lawful, fair, and documented.
4. Health and Safety
The safety and wellbeing of workers throughout our supply chain is a fundamental priority. All suppliers and business partners are required to:
Respect the legal requirements regarding workplace health and safety applicable in the areas in which they operate. This includes providing a working environment that minimises the risk of accidents, injury, and exposure to health hazards.
Encourage and reinforce a culture of workplace health and safety by promoting risk awareness among all employees. This means going beyond minimum compliance to actively identify, assess, and mitigate workplace risks.
Promote responsible conduct amongst all employees and strive to protect workers through preventative actions, regular training, appropriate personal protective equipment, and clear emergency procedures.
The F.I.L.A. Group encourages its suppliers to attain BS OHSAS 18001 (or its successor, ISO 45001) certification for occupational health and safety management systems.
5. Environmental Responsibility
Environmental stewardship is integral to ethical sourcing. All suppliers and business partners are required to abide by the environmental protection laws applicable in the countries in which they operate, to preserve natural resources, and to promote their responsible use.
Suppliers are furthermore expected to comply with regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances in production processes, to compile and maintain the necessary technical documents and compliance certifications, and to label products correctly in accordance with applicable regulations.
The F.I.L.A. Group's own environmental commitments — including the use of FSC-certified wood and fibres, the recovery and reuse of production waste, the development of bio-based and regenerated plastics, and the reduction of packaging materials — are described in detail in our separate Environmental Commitment page. We expect our suppliers to share this commitment to continuous environmental improvement.
The F.I.L.A. Group encourages its suppliers to attain ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems.
6. Product Safety
As a distributor of products used by children, students, and professional artists, product safety is of paramount importance to Fila Group Australia. Our products — particularly those in the early learning and children's categories under brands such as Giotto, DAS, and Lyra — must meet the highest safety standards.
All products distributed by Fila Group Australia comply with applicable Australian safety standards and regulations, including those administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The F.I.L.A. Group maintains rigorous internal protocols for raw material selection, product testing, and quality assurance to ensure that products are safe for their intended users.
We require our suppliers to ensure that all raw materials and components used in the manufacture of our products are free from banned or restricted substances and comply with the safety regulations of the markets in which the products are sold.
7. Ethical Business Conduct
7.1 Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
The F.I.L.A. Group prohibits any type of corruption, including in dealings with private citizens. Suppliers and business partners must not offer, promise, give, or accept any payment, gift, or other benefit — whether directly or through intermediaries — that is intended to improperly influence a business decision or secure an unfair advantage. This applies equally to dealings with public officials and private parties.
7.2 Compliance with Law
All suppliers are strictly required to comply with the laws and regulations in force in all of the countries in which they operate. In no case shall the pursuit of commercial interests justify any form of conduct that is contrary to legal provisions. Where the requirements of this policy conflict with local law, local law prevails.
7.3 Transparency and Financial Integrity
Suppliers agree to disclose information regarding their businesses, structure, and financial and performance status when required to do so in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Business records must be accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with accepted accounting standards.
7.4 Intellectual Property
The F.I.L.A. Group respects the intellectual property rights of others and requires its suppliers to do the same. Suppliers must not counterfeit, alter, or infringe upon trademarks, patents, designs, industrial models, or any other intellectual property — whether belonging to the F.I.L.A. Group or to third parties.
7.5 Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism
Suppliers must not carry out or be involved in any activity that entails the acquisition, reception, concealment, or laundering of money, goods, or other benefits whose provenance is criminal. Suppliers must not be directly or indirectly involved in the funding of terrorist organisations.
8. Supplier Selection and Monitoring
Fila Group Australia sources its products through the F.I.L.A. Group's global supply chain. The Group's supplier screening process is based on the technical, qualitative, and quantitative requirements of the products ordered, the reputation and reliability of the supplier, the supplier's ability to comply with the supply plan, and the best quality-to-price ratio — while avoiding any form of favouritism or discrimination.
Selected suppliers are subject to ongoing monitoring of their production capacities, average delivery times, financial solvency, and compliance with quality standards. Commercial relationships are conducted on the basis of impartiality, financial prudence, transparency, loyalty, and professional correctness.
Compliance with the F.I.L.A. Group's Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners is a key requirement for undertaking and maintaining any business relationship with the Group. Any breach of the principles outlined in the Code — even a partial breach — may result in the termination of the business relationship.
9. Modern Slavery
Fila Group Australia recognises the importance of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and the broader global effort to eradicate modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour from supply chains.
While the products we distribute are manufactured at F.I.L.A. Group facilities and by approved third-party suppliers around the world, we are committed to understanding and addressing the risks of modern slavery within our supply chain. The F.I.L.A. Group's prohibition of forced labour, child labour, and exploitative working conditions — as set out in its Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners and its Human Rights & Labour Policy — forms the foundation of our approach.
We are committed to working with the F.I.L.A. Group to continuously improve the visibility and accountability of our supply chain, and to taking appropriate action where risks of modern slavery are identified.
10. Reporting Concerns
We encourage anyone — whether an employee, supplier, business partner, or member of the public — who becomes aware of conduct that may be inconsistent with this policy or with the F.I.L.A. Group's Code of Ethics to report it. Reports can be made in confidence and without fear of retaliation.
To report a concern related to ethical sourcing, please contact:
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Email
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Phone
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(02) 8825 5300
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Address
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Fila Group Australia, 6/30 Foundry Rd, Seven Hills NSW 2147, Australia
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Reports may also be made through the F.I.L.A. Group's global reporting channels as described in the Group's Ethics Code, available at filagroup.it.
11. Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and the F.I.L.A. Group's evolving sustainability commitments. We are committed to continuous improvement in our ethical sourcing practices and to transparent communication about our progress.
Further Reading
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Resource
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Link
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F.I.L.A. Group Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Business Partners
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F.I.L.A. Group Ethics Code
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F.I.L.A. Group Human Rights & Labour Policy
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F.I.L.A. Group Sustainable Procurement Policy
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F.I.L.A. Group Environmental Policy
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F.I.L.A. Group Sustainability Report
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United Nations Global Compact — Ten Principles
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Fila Group Australia Pty Ltd | 6/30 Foundry Rd, Seven Hills NSW 2147 | (02) 8825 5300 | sales@filagroup.com.au