Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC) is committed to maintaining ethical practices and transparency throughout its global supply chain, with a strong focus on preventing forced labor, child labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking. This statement outlines the company’s policies and activities from January through December 2024, demonstrating compliance with regulations such as the Canadian Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, and the United Kingdom Modern Slavery Act. CSC aims to provide consumers with insight into the origins of its products, fostering informed purchasing decisions and reinforcing trust in the brand. Any form of labor exploitation is deemed unacceptable, and the company actively works to prevent, detect, and remediate such practices across both its operations and extended supply chain.

Established in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, CSC began as a family-owned hat distributor and has since expanded into a global company operating four main brands: Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hard Wear, and prAna. The company designs, develops, markets, and distributes apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment for outdoor, active, and lifestyle purposes, serving customers in over 110 countries. Business is conducted through wholesale, retail, direct-to-consumer, and licensing channels, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million USD. While CSC does not directly own manufacturing facilities, most products are made by contract manufacturers in countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and China. To maintain oversight and ensure adherence to labor standards, CSC operates liaison offices in six Asia Pacific countries.

CSC enforces strict standards to eliminate slavery, child labor, and human trafficking in its supply chain. Its Standards of Manufacturing Practices (SMP) outline fair labor expectations, including a clear prohibition of forced or child labor in any form. Factories must display the SMP in local languages and provide confidential channels for employees to report concerns or grievances. The company’s Foreign Migrant Worker Policy protects migrant workers by ensuring they do not pay recruitment fees, retain control over personal travel documents, and fully understand the terms of their employment. Compliance is reinforced through regular audits, supplier agreements, and ongoing risk assessments, while CSC also engages in industry initiatives such as the Joint Association Forced Labor Working Group and the American Apparel and Footwear Association’s Responsible Recruitment Commitment to promote ethical practices across the sector.

Internal accountability measures hold both employees and contract manufacturers responsible, with the company reserving the right to terminate relationships when violations are not addressed promptly. Facilities are evaluated against SMP standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, assessing both potential and actual impacts on human rights. By combining stringent supply chain oversight, supplier partnerships, policy enforcement, and participation in industry-wide initiatives, CSC strives to uphold ethical production and protect human rights throughout its operations. These efforts demonstrate the company’s enduring commitment to responsible, sustainable, and principled business practices on a global scale.