Responsible sourcing

It is imperative that our suppliers comply with the international guidelines relating to social and environmental issues as well as Ahlsell's own Code of Conduct.

For sustainable production

Ahlsell's most important assets are its reputation and customer confidence.

It is therefore of paramount importance that our suppliers comply with the international guidelines relating to quality, social responsibility and the environment, as well as with Ahlsell's own Code of Conduct.

To be able to supply goods to Ahlsell’s stores, suppliers need to be approved following a supplier assessment. Since the requirements are constantly becoming more stringent, assessments are carried out at regular intervals, and Ahlsell also aims to conduct follow-ups at the group's sixty largest suppliers. 

By accepting Ahlsell’s Code of Conduct, the supplier agrees both to follow the code and give Ahlsell and its customers the right to conduct various kinds of inspections or by other means monitor compliance with the code. Suppliers who sign an agreement with Ahlsell are also responsible for implementing and following up the requirements of Ahlsell's Code of Conduct where applicable. 

Suppliers of goods sold under Ahlsell's own brand names are reviewed by internal quality inspectors or by well-established third-party companies. Inspectors are trained in SA8000 to provide the best possible means of ensuring that suppliers are both maintaining a good working environment and meeting human rights obligations.

As part of our work on sustainable production, we also have an office in Guangzhou, China. Being on site with the suppliers leads to greater understanding and good relations, which in turn facilitates our work on responsible sourcing. Moreover almost every shipment from China is examined and tested by our quality inspectors.

We also focus on road safety and transport efficiency. All our carriers are checked and subjected to the same types of audits as a manufacturing supplier. The effects of this are several: advantages in procurement, cost savings for all parties, fewer cases of damage during shipping, more secure loads and safer working environments.