Modern Slavery & Ethical Trade Statement
Effective Date: 24 June 2026 | Last Updated: 24 June 2026 | Next Review: June 2027
1. Introduction
CAGS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TRADE JOINT STOCK COMPANY ('CAGS') is committed to conducting its business ethically and with integrity across all global markets. We recognise that modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour are serious violations of fundamental human rights, and we are committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure that neither our business nor our global supply chain contribute to any such practices.
This statement is published voluntarily as part of our commitment to international ethical trade standards and applies to all CAGS operations and supply chain relationships worldwide. It is aligned with:
- ILO Core Labour Standards — International Labour Organization Fundamental Conventions
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Business Charter for Sustainable Development
2. Our Business & Supply Chain
CAGS is a globally operating B2B manufacturer and distributor of tobacco products and related accessories, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. Our business operations and supply chain span multiple regions including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Our supply chain involves:
- Raw material suppliers — paper, tobacco leaf, filter materials, and packaging components
- Manufacturing and production partners
- Logistics, freight, and customs service providers
- Professional service providers — legal, financial, and marketing
- Distributors and wholesale trading partners globally
3. Our Policies Against Modern Slavery
CAGS has zero tolerance for modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour in any form within our business or supply chain. Our commitment is reflected in the following internal policies and practices:
- Employment Policy: All CAGS employees are employed voluntarily, receive fair and competitive remuneration, work lawful hours, and have full freedom of movement. No worker is required to deposit identity documents or pay recruitment fees.
- Age Verification: CAGS strictly prohibits the employment of individuals under the minimum legal working age in any jurisdiction where we operate.
- Recruitment Standards: CAGS works only with reputable recruitment agencies that operate in compliance with applicable labour law and international ethical recruitment standards.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: CAGS expects all suppliers and business partners to uphold equivalent standards of labour rights, human rights, and ethical business conduct.
- Contractual Obligations: Key supplier and partner contracts include provisions requiring compliance with applicable labour law and prohibiting forced or child labour.
4. Due Diligence & Risk Assessment
CAGS conducts risk-based due diligence on its supply chain to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks of modern slavery and labour rights violations:
- Supplier Screening: New suppliers are screened for compliance with applicable labour laws and ethical trade standards before onboarding.
- Geographic Risk Assessment: We assess the risk profile of sourcing regions based on internationally recognised indices such as the Global Slavery Index.
- Contractual Requirements: Our supplier agreements include clauses requiring compliance with ILO standards and applicable national labour law.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We conduct periodic reviews of supply chain partners to monitor compliance with our ethical trade expectations.
- Audit Rights: CAGS reserves the right to conduct or commission audits of key supply chain partners where risk is identified.
5. Training & Awareness
CAGS is committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff and supply chain:
- Relevant CAGS staff receive awareness training on recognising signs of modern slavery and forced labour.
- Procurement and supply chain teams receive specific guidance on ethical sourcing and supplier due diligence.
- All employees are encouraged to report any concerns relating to labour rights or ethical conduct through our internal reporting channels.
6. Reporting Concerns
CAGS encourages anyone — whether an employee, supplier, business partner, or third party — to report any concerns about potential modern slavery, forced labour, or human rights violations in our business or supply chain. Reports can be made to:
CAGS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TRADE JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Fulya Mahallesi, Buyukdere Caddesi, Torun Center A Blok No: 74A, Ic Kapi No: 19, Sisli / Istanbul, Turkey
Email: info@cagstobacco.com
Telephone: +90 212 916 27 27
Website: www.cagsgrp.com
All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly. CAGS does not permit retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
7. Continuous Improvement
CAGS recognises that addressing modern slavery and unethical labour practices is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time action. We are committed to:
- Reviewing and strengthening our due diligence processes annually.
- Updating this statement each year to reflect our progress and any changes in our supply chain risk profile.
- Engaging with industry initiatives and best practice guidance on ethical trade and responsible sourcing.
8. Statement Review
This statement is reviewed and updated annually. Last updated: 24 June 2026. Next review: June 2027. This statement has been approved by CAGS senior management.
9. Contact
For any questions about this statement or CAGS's ethical trade practices:
CAGS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TRADE JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Fulya Mahallesi, Buyukdere Caddesi, Torun Center A Blok No: 74A, Ic Kapi No: 19, Sisli / Istanbul, Turkey
Email: info@cagstobacco.com
Telephone: +90 212 916 27 27
Website: www.cagsgrp.com
Related Policies
- Terms & Conditions: www.cagsgrp.com/terms-and-conditions
- Privacy Policy: www.cagsgrp.com/privacypolicy
- Contact CAGS: www.cagsgrp.com/contact
