Trade Codes
SUPPLIERS CODE OF CONDUCT
(Manufacturers & Wholesalers)
This Code has been submitted to the Office of Fair Trading
1. INTRODUCTION
.01 Objective
To provide a framework of business conduct for suppliers within the equestrian industry (excluding commission agents). This Code applies to suppliers of products and services who are Trade members of BETA.
.02 Definition
The Code covers manufacturers and wholesalers.
.03 Exceptions
Feed manufacturers and Commission Agents are excluded from this Code - feed is defined as equine rations and falls under the BETA Feed Code currently being drafted. Suppliers of feed supplements (who may also be feed manufacturers) may sign the Code if they are Trade members.
2. ADVANTAGES
The Code should not be confused with membership criteria. It is voluntary for existing members and mandatory for new members, but signatories will derive clear benefits. Withdrawal from the Code by new or existing members could jeopardise BETA membership. The retail trade will see that signatories are prepared to trade ethically according to conditions clearly defined below. Signatories will be publicised in as many ways as the committee and BETA Council deem to be practical. These may include:
Special indication in all membership lists
Editorial publicity
Publication of a list of signatories
Printed summary for display
Special logo
3. THE CODE
.01 Supply
Signatories to this Code must supply in accordance with their declared sales and distribution policy, which must be provided on application. A current copy must be posted with the BETA Secretariat and amendments must be notified to BETA within 21 working days.
.02 Legal
All transactions must be conducted in accordance with current legal requirements.
.03 Advertising
All advertising must conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice as laid down by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Advertising Standards Authority. This means that all advertising must be legal, decent, honest and truthful. It should not be misleading. All claims must be able to be substantiated.
.04
Price alteration policy must be declared as part of the Sales and distribution policy (see para 2.01).
.05 Terms of Trading
Must be clearly published
.06 Delivery
Unless previous notification is received a despatch/advice note should normally be delivered with all goods. Invoices, if not despatched with goods, should normally be despatched, within three working days.
.07 Extended Delivery Dates
Any variation to the normally accepted delivery period by the suppliers must be advised.
.08 Labelling and Instructions
Signatories must conform to current legal labelling requirements as published.
.09 Change of Policy
In the event of a change of policy of the business for any reason, the Management will be required to confirm their intention to comply with the Code of Conduct and restate their Terms of Trading to the Secretary of BETA within 28 days.
4. SUGGESTED PROCEDURES - Complaints
Retailers should adopt the following 4 step procedure:-
.01 Complain to the supplier. If not satisfied -
.02 Take the case to BETA who will collect evidence from both parties and attempt to mediate.
.03 Take the case to the Local Trading Standards Officer telling him that you have already been to BETA.
.04 Take the case to court.
5. SANCTIONS
Signatories suspected of breaking the Code will be reported to Council which will decide if the complaint is justified. A representative of the signatory will be invited to give their point of view verbally and/or in writing. If the complaint is upheld the Council will decide upon the appropriate action, which could result in the issue of a public warning. A second public warning will mean automatic withdrawal of membership and a bar on reapplication for 12 months. A report would go to BETA Trade Fairs committee with a recommendation of disbarment from exhibiting for twelve months.
6. WITHDRAWALS
Withdrawal from the Code by new or existing members will be referred to the Council which will decide if membership can continue.
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