The RBA Code of Conduct is a set of social, environmental and ethical industry standards. The standards set out in the Code of Conduct reference international norms and standards including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO International Labor Standards, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, ISO and SA standards, and many more. While the Code of Conduct originated with the electronics industry in mind, it is applicable to and used by many industries beyond electronics.
Version 6.0 of the RBA Code of Conduct was ratified in 2017 and went into effect Jan. 1, 2018. Version 6.0 can be viewed here and in multiple languages below. The most recent accompanying "Definition of Fees," which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, can be viewed here. Version 7.0 of the Code of Conduct has been ratified and will go into effect in January 2021. Version 7.0 can be viewed here in English and will be available in multiple languages in 2021.
In addition, to fully understand the detailed RBA Code of Conduct requirements, please view version 6.1.0 of the RBA Code Interpretation Guidance, which can be found within the public version of the VAP Operations Manual here in English. Version 7.0 of this Guidance will be available in January 2021.
View upcoming trainings on the RBA Code of Conduct and VAP here.
RBA Code of Conduct 7.0 (effective Jan. 1, 2021)
RBA Code of Conduct 6.0 (effective Jan. 1, 2018)
Code 6.0 Translations
Code Review Process
The RBA Code of Conduct is updated every three years to ensure its relevance to international norms and issues members may face in their supply chains. Code of Conduct review processes are extensive (typically one year in duration) and follow a thorough consultation process with members and stakeholders.
