Policy

Human Rights Policy

Our commitment

At Fn Customs Limited, we are committed to respecting and upholding human rights throughout our operations and supply chain. As a UK customs clearance and freight forwarding company, we recognise our responsibility to promote fair labour practices and human dignity within international trade. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, business partners, suppliers, and stakeholders worldwide.

International standards

We align our practices with internationally recognised human rights frameworks:

  • The International Bill of Human Rights — the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Civil & Political and on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights
  • The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (the Ruggie Principles)
  • The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
  • The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
  • The UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

We commit to avoiding causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts. Where such impacts occur, we act swiftly to prevent and remedy them.

Core principles

Freedom of association and collective bargaining. We respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively, without discrimination or retaliation.

Elimination of forced labour. We prohibit all forms of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour. All work is voluntary, and workers are free to leave employment on reasonable notice.

Abolition of child labour. We do not employ anyone under 18 years of age and support the elimination of child labour throughout our supply chain.

Elimination of discrimination. We provide equal opportunities regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), race and ethnicity, colour, disability, political opinion or affiliation, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, nationality, immigration or refugee status, health condition, union membership, social origin, or marital and family status.

Our workplace practices

Decent work and working conditions. Permanent, full-time contracts with clear terms; fair wages meeting or exceeding legal minimums; workplace pension schemes; safe, healthy, and dignified conditions; work–life balance and flexible working; and equal support for parents and carers.

Diversity and inclusion. A zero-tolerance approach to racism, sexism, and discrimination of any kind; an inclusive workplace that values diversity; equal pay for equal work; and equal access to training, development, and advancement.

Privacy and data protection. Personal data protected in line with the UK GDPR, used ethically and transparently.

Freedom of expression. Respect for employees’ freedom of thought, opinion, and expression; open communication and constructive feedback; and whistleblower protection.

Responsible supply chain

As a customs clearance and freight forwarding company, our influence reaches beyond our own operations. We commit to:

  • Selecting business partners who demonstrate respect for human rights
  • Preferring partners with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status or equivalent certification
  • Avoiding partnerships with entities known to violate human rights
  • Conducting due diligence on suppliers and partners based on human rights risk
  • Providing transparent, fair, and ethical customs clearance services
  • Refusing to facilitate trade in goods produced through forced labour, child labour, or other human rights violations

Indigenous peoples’ rights

We recognise and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples as set out in UNDRIP, including the right to self-determination, the right to maintain distinct cultural identities, and the right to free, prior, and informed consent on matters affecting their rights, lands, and resources. Where our activities intersect with Indigenous communities — directly or through supply chains — we commit to meaningful consultation and respect for those rights.

Human rights due diligence

We maintain an ongoing due diligence process:

  • Identify and assess — regularly assess actual and potential impacts across our operations and value chain
  • Prevent and mitigate — take action to prevent, cease, and reduce adverse impacts
  • Track and monitor — monitor the effectiveness of our efforts
  • Communicate and report — report transparently to stakeholders
  • Remedy — where we have caused or contributed to adverse impacts, provide or cooperate in legitimate remediation

Reporting concerns

We maintain accessible channels for employees, suppliers, clients, and stakeholders to raise human rights concerns without fear of retaliation.

To report a concern, email support@fncustoms.co.uk or call 0115 678 4858. All grievances are investigated promptly and fairly, handled confidentially, resolved through dialogue where possible, and treated as opportunities to improve. We do not retaliate against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Continuous improvement

Meaningful progress on human rights takes collaboration. We commit to engaging with industry peers and multi-stakeholder initiatives, sharing and learning best practice, supporting collective action on systemic issues, investing in training, and reviewing this policy annually.

B Corp commitment

As a prospective B Corporation, we pledge to use business as a force for good. This policy reflects our commitment to operating responsibly, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, creating positive impact for all stakeholders, and upholding transparent, ethical governance.

Fn Customs Limited is committed to respecting human rights and operating with integrity, transparency, and accountability across our business.