Supply Chain Disclosure

Effective September 1, 2024, this disclosure outlines Decathlon’s approach to compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 and its broader commitment to responsible business conduct. Guided by its core principles of responsibility and generosity, Decathlon works continuously to understand and manage the social and environmental impacts connected to its activities and those of its partners across the value chain. The company integrates respect for human rights and environmental stewardship into its operational model and supplier relationships, and provides additional information about its sustainability initiatives through its public sustainability platforms.

Decathlon aligns its practices with internationally recognized frameworks, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct. These standards inform the company’s internal policies as well as its expectations of suppliers and other commercial partners. International references such as the conventions of the International Labour Organization and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights serve as foundations for the company’s ethical commitments. Through documented procedures and oversight mechanisms, Decathlon seeks to prevent, identify, and address risks related to forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery.

In accordance with California law, large retailers and manufacturers must disclose efforts to eliminate forced labor and human trafficking from their direct supply chains. Decathlon addresses these risks through structured due diligence processes and corrective action systems. If evidence indicates that a business partner is involved in forced labor, directly or indirectly, production and shipments are suspended while the situation is investigated and remedied. The company publishes additional details about its efforts in its annual Modern Slavery Statement.

Risk identification is supported by annual mapping exercises that evaluate social and environmental exposure within both internal operations and supplier networks. Sector-specific and geographic risk indicators are incorporated into this analysis, including data related to governance conditions, reported violations, sanctions, and corruption levels. In addition to general risk assessments, Decathlon conducts targeted reviews focused specifically on forced labor risks in industrial sourcing regions, taking into account both internal findings and external research.

To manage identified risks, Decathlon implements structured frameworks and practical tools for suppliers. Guidelines addressing worker housing establish expectations for safe and dignified living conditions where dormitories are provided. These guidelines are accompanied by assessment checklists that review safety standards, legal compliance, access to grievance mechanisms, and freedom of movement. Recruitment standards are also in place to reduce vulnerability among migrant workers and to discourage unethical intermediary practices. These measures include oversight of recruitment agencies, review of contractual transparency, and safeguards related to repatriation and termination procedures.

Supplier performance is further evaluated through external assessment platforms that review environmental, social, human rights, ethics, and responsible procurement criteria. Where gaps are identified, suppliers are expected to implement corrective action plans and demonstrate measurable improvement over time.

Auditing plays a central role in Decathlon’s due diligence system. Production sites supplying directly to the company are assessed through detailed human responsibility audits based on recognized social accountability standards. These evaluations are carried out by trained internal teams as well as independent third-party specialists. Before formal business engagement begins, suppliers undergo an initial assessment, followed by periodic reviews determined by country and sector risk levels. Audit findings are categorized according to structured risk levels and addressed through collaborative action plans designed to strengthen compliance and promote continuous improvement. Worker interview technologies are increasingly utilized to facilitate confidential dialogue and strengthen the quality of information gathered during assessments.

Clear expectations are communicated through formal codes of conduct tailored to different types of partners. Manufacturing suppliers are subject to comprehensive requirements covering forced labor, child labor, non-discrimination, workplace health and safety, freedom of association, wages, and environmental responsibility. These standards are embedded within purchasing agreements and linked to the specific production sites authorized to manufacture products. Other business partners receive adapted versions of these standards suited to the nature of their activities.

Internal accountability is reinforced through company-wide policies that apply directly to employees. A human rights policy articulates Decathlon’s commitment to internationally recognized standards, while a global internal code of conduct defines expected ethical behavior for all personnel and representatives. An anonymous reporting system is available in multiple countries and languages, enabling employees, workers, customers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to raise concerns securely. Reports are managed through established procedures to ensure independence, confidentiality, and timely resolution.

Training is another essential component of the company’s preventive approach. Decathlon collaborates with specialized organizations to deliver educational programs addressing forced labor risks and responsible sourcing practices. These initiatives include online learning modules, practical toolkits, thematic workshops, and webinars focused on identifying indicators of forced labor. Production teams and sustainability managers receive targeted instruction to strengthen their ability to recognize and respond to high-risk situations in sourcing countries. Strategic purchasing staff are also trained during onboarding to ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into commercial decision-making from the outset.

Through these combined efforts, Decathlon seeks to uphold transparency, reinforce ethical supply chain management, and contribute to the global fight against forced labor and human trafficking.