Working as an Equal Partner

Sony respects each supplier as an independent company working on an equal basis with Sony. Sony makes itself fully accessible to suppliers that can function as true partners by working together in building relationships based on mutual trust.

Complying with Laws, Regulations and Social Standards

Sony works hard to be a good corporate citizen and meet its customers' expectation by following the rules, regulations and social norms of the different countries around the world. Because of this, Sony established its "Sony Supply Chain Code of Conduct" and is uncompromising in its demand that all suppliers of parts, materials and services strictly comply with laws, regulations and social standards.

Continuous Business

Sony believes that procurement activities with its suppliers should be conducted on a continuous basis. To that end, when initiating and continuing business, Sony asks suppliers to provide information on management policies and operations (including their financial statements).

Consideration for Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation is one of the central elements of Sony's management policy, and Sony also asks suppliers to take the initiative in reducing their environmental impact. When Sony conducts business with a supplier, the supplier is audited on its environmental management system as specified by Sony, and it must qualify under "Sony Green Partner Environmental Quality Approval Program" for its controls of chemical substances.

Developing New Technology

Sony must constantly work on developing new technology to supply products that give customers a sense of excitement, joy and satisfaction. Suppliers that wish to become Sony partners must have the technological skills needed to create the new technology and parts that Sony requires. Partners are expected to be able to merge their own skills with those of Sony to create a unique technological capability that generates new values.

Digitalization Capabilities

The relationship with suppliers involves the rapid exchange and sharing of large volumes of information to enable transactions to be performed efficiently and effectively. Sony promotes the use of IT, and when initiating and continuing business with a supplier, it confirms the supplier's competency in terms of digitalization.

Maintaining Required Quality Standards

The quality of parts and materials provided by suppliers has a significant effect on Sony products. Prior to signing a deal with a new supplier, and thereafter, Sony will conduct regular audits of the supplier's quality assurance programs.

Offering Competitive Prices

The price of parts and materials provided by suppliers has a major impact on the cost competitiveness of Sony products. Sony therefore expects its suppliers to offer items at highly competitive prices and make a concerted effort to constantly reduce cost.

Supply Chain Management and Stable Supplies

Sony is linked with its suppliers through the supply chain of each Sony product, which includes the sale of the product. Sony therefore expects each supplier to provide tight management of its delivery dates, compatible with product production activities that fluctuate with customer demands, and to be able to supply parts and materials in a highly flexible fashion.
Further, Sony expects suppliers to engage in risk management activities, including with the suppliers' own partners, and to establish an appropriate business continuity plan (BCP) in preparation for situations that are difficult to foresee, such as natural disasters. The suppliers should minimize the effect on supply in the event of an emergency, and in normal times, limit the risks of these emergencies occurring

Retaining a Continuous Competitive Edge

Sony, in cooperation with its suppliers, seeks to provide attractive value to its customers continuously and into the future through Sony products and its corporate activities.Sony expects its suppliers to formulate a corporate philosophy and implement measures designed to create this value, based on the supplier's own management policy and the guidance outlined above.