Sustainability
Overview
Overview
As a global corporate citizen,
we strive to make a positive
impact while delivering
innovative products and services
As a global corporate citizen, we strive to make a positive impact while delivering innovative products and services
Our conservation strategies and eco-friendly solutions
lead the way to a more sustainable future
Our relationships with our suppliers are based on fairness and trust. We endeavour together to build an ethical and sustainable supply chain
Sustainable Supply Chain
We ensure that our materials are sourced ethically and responsibly
Our approach to sustainability
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Social impact
Manage the impact on stakeholders
(Customers, shareholders & investors,
employees, suppliers, local communities,
NGOs, governments, media,
professional organizations, etc.) -
Value chain
Supply Chain • Manufacturing
Products • CustomersInnovation
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Care values
People
Excellence
Change
Integrity
Co-prosperity

Value of Samsung sustainability
Economic value
Our commitment to constant innovation & growth
Maximize profits and shareholder values
(Products and Services Innovation)
Economic value
Our commitment to constant innovation & growth
Our endeavors to create innovative technologies and products pave the way to generate profits and secure new growth drivers. We strive to embed innovation into the fabric of our corporate culture while creating synergies through the use of external resources to pursue open innovation. In doing so, we take a step closer to building an ecosystem to develop innovative products that cater to the needs of today’s rapidly-shifting market.
Social value
We're working towards a more sustainable world for all
Contribute to a sustainable society
(Attainment of the UN SDGs)
Social value
We're working towards a more sustainable world for all
As a global corporate citizen, we create social values in a way that is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We especially pinpointed goals that are highly relevant to our business conduct and are analyzing our negative/positive impact in attaining these goals. Furthermore, we will discover and fully explore business opportunities that contribute to reaching the UN SDGs.
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01NO POVERTY
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
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02NO HUNGER
End hunger, Improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture
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03GOOD HEALTH
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
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04QUALITY EDUCATION
Ensure quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all
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05GENDER EQUALITY
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
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06CLEAN WATER
AND SANITATIONEnsure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
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07RENEWABLE
ENERGYEnsure access to sustainable energy for all
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08GOOD JOBS AND
ECONOMIC GROWTHPromote sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work for all
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09INNOVATION AND
INFRASTRUCTUREBuild resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation
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10REDUCED
INEQUALITIESReduce inequality within and among countries
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11SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, reilient and sustainable
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12 RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTIONEnsure sustainable consumption and production patterns
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13CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
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14LIFE BELOW
WATERProtect and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources
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15LIFE ON LAND
Protect the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity (forests, deserts, land, etc.)
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16PEACE AND JUSTICE
Establish and fair justice system for all
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17PARTNERSHIPS
FOR THE GOALSStrengthen the means of implementation and revitailse the global partnership for sustainable development
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* UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) : In September 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted sustainable development goals in order to achieve social sustainability across the globe. Building on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that were focused on less-development countries, the UN SDGs set universal goals that should be met by all countries including advanced ones, and thus demand full engagement of civil society and businesses in the private sector as well as governments and experts in attaining these goals.
Download our reports and policies
Sustainability reports
Sustainability reports
Integrating corporate management and sustainable development is an issue of increasing importance in the business world, amid increasing expectations for social and environmental responsibility. In response, we have been improving the process of collecting stakeholders' ideas and setting up a corporate-wide vision and strategies for sustainable development. We have designated economic, environmental and social responsibilities as the key elements of our sustainable management. We are committed to continuing to identify key stakeholders, build positive relationships with them and ultimately enhance our value for both the company and the stakeholders.
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2022 Sustainability Report15.5 MB
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2021 Sustainability Report16.6 MB
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2021 Sustainability Report - Executive Summary7.47 MB
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2020 Sustainability Report16 MB
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2019 Sustainability Report23.4 MB
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2018 Sustainability Report33.5 MB
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2017 Sustainability Report22.3 MB
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2016 Sustainability Report32.9 MB
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2015 Sustainability Report32.6 MB
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2014 Sustainability Report9.65 MB
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2013 Sustainability Report14.6 MB
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2012 Sustainability Report16.4 MB
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2011 Sustainability Report11 MB
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2010 Sustainability Report11 MB
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2009 Sustainability Report2.5 MB
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2008 Sustainability Report6.7 MB
Global code of conduct
Global code of conduct
Preface
Samsung Electronics aims to be a ‘world leading company’, devoting our human resources and technology to create superior products and services, thereby contributing to a better global society.
To achieve this goal, we share and pursue Samsung Values of 『People, Excellence, Change, Integrity, Co-prosperity』, and the 7 Factors of a World Leading Company of 『Dream, Vision & Goal, Creativity & Challenge, Insight & Good Sense, Technology & Information, Trust & Credibility, Speed & Velocity, Change & Innovation』 within the organization.
Furthermore, all Samsung Electronics employees should follow this 「Global Code of Conduct」 as well as the Samsung Business Principles in order to comply with laws and ethical practices as well as to express our concrete commitment to social responsibility. This 「Global Code of Conduct」 will be the guiding standard for everyone in Samsung Electronics, outlining standards of conduct in all business activities.
- We endeavor, with a sense of urgent awareness that we cannot survive without innovation, to achieve future competitiveness by responding quickly to the changes in the business environment and customer demand, and to maintain a sustained commitment to Change & Innovation based on our Dream, Vision & Goal.
- We cultivate Creativity & Challenge, acknowledging that future competitiveness depends on the development of Technology & Information ahead of competitors.
- We aspire to become qualified experts in our field with Insight to foresee the future, and the Good Sense to identify and take advantage of opportunities.
- We create an open culture where employees are encouraged to make decisions and act proactively with a sense of ownership, based on the mutual respect of individuality and Trust & Credibility.
- We pursue co-prosperity by maintaining relationships of Trust with shareholders and business partners, and facilitating sound management through mutual cooperation.
※ Code of Conduct Coverage : The Code of Conduct applies to all Samsung Electronics' employees (domestic/overseas), suppliers, and all staff employed by the subsidiaries of Samsung Electronics.
Principles
1-1. We respect dignity and diversity of individuals
1 The Company will respect the basic human rights of all employees and will not discriminate against its officers, staff and other interested parties on the basis of race, nationality, gender, religion, regional background, physical disability, marital status, or any other characteristics protected by law
2 The Company will not employ underage persons, as commonly defined by international standards and relevant national laws.
3 The company will respect the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in accordance with the local labor laws where our worksites operate in order to maintain and develop our cooperative labor-management relations based on mutual trust and integrity.
4 The Company will determine conditions of employment and compensation for personnel in a rational and just manner, taking into consideration relevant national, local or state laws, and international standards.
5 The Company will ensure that working hours of personnel will be in accordance with the specific nature of their duties and national laws and regulations, and no extended working hours will be enforced without mutual agreement.
6 The Company will endeavor to ensure that senior staff do not impose on junior staff any duties unrelated to Company affairs or duties that violate Company regulations and standard processes, or use any form of psychological or physical intimidation or coercion against employees in the performance of their regular duties.
1-2. We compete in accordance with laws and business ethics
1 The Company will compete freely and fairly at all its business sites around the world, abiding by national laws and regulations and relevant international standards governing the conduct of business.
2 The Company will not abuse a dominant market position nor use coercion to cause inclusion of unwanted items in any sales transactions (tying).
3 The Company will not enter with competitors into price fixing, bid collusion, market collusion or reduced production agreements, and will not discuss with competitors prices, bids, customers, sales territories and conditions including price confirmation.
4 The Company will not permit the giving or acceptance of money, goods, entertainment or any economic benefits to or from customers or external interested parties, nor allow any improper activities that violate laws and fair trade principles.
5 The Company shall refrain from illegally obtaining confidential information belonging to competitors.
6 The Company shall not demand, or use coercion to obtain any advantage detrimental to the interest of customer or partner companies.
1-3. We maintain transparency of accounts with accurate recording of transactions
1 The Company will accurately record and manage all transactions in compliance with international standards and national accounting regulations, and will be subject to accounting audits by outside parties at regular intervals.
2 The Company will make every effort to refrain from entering into a business relationship with customers of uncertain identity, and will not participate nor cooperate with illegal, false, or irregular transactions.
1-4. We do not get involved in politics and maintain neutrality
1 The Company will respect individual political rights and expression of opinion. However, it will not allow the conduct of political activities within the company that may be harmful to the organization.
2 The Company's resources, including financial resources, manpower, and facilities shall not be used for any political purpose.
3 The Company will refrain from illegal donations and improper dealings with governments, and will respect individual country's related laws and regulations.
1-5. We protect information on individuals and business partners
1 The Company will abide by the laws and regulations relating to protection of the privacy of its employees and confidential information, and each officer or employee of the Company shall acknowledge their primary responsibility for the protection of such information.
2 The Company will use information relating to individuals, corporate customers, or business partners obtained through normal business process, only for business purposes, and shall not disclose such information to third parties.
2-1. We make a strict distinction between public and private affairs in our duties
1 The Company will not permit any illicit activity for the pursuit of personal gain , such as irregular treatment of expenses, using one's position for private gain, or the embezzlement of corporate assets.
2 The Company will not permit any activity that utilizes proprietary information of the Company for private gain, for example insider trading, irrespective of whether or not this activity was conducted directly by an employee or via third parties.
3 In cases of conflicts of interest between the Company and an individual, the Company's legitimate interest will be considered preferentially.
2-2. We protect and respect intellectual properties of the Company and others
1 The Company will endeavor to ensure that internal intellectual property and confidential information will not be disclosed to external parties by its employees without its prior permission and consent.
2 The Company will ensure that any proprietary information acquired through its business activities shall be recorded and safely kept and managed as intellectual property.
3 The Company will respect the intellectual property rights of third parties, such as patents, copyrights and trademarks, and shall not intentionally infringe or improperly use such intellectual property.
4 The Company will ensure that due attention is paid to the security of its intellectual property during the course of telephone or other communication with external parties, and in the management of various data storage facilities.
2-3. We create a sound organizational atmosphere
1 The Company has zero tolerance for any type of behavior which may offend or cause unpleasantness to other employees, such as sexual harassment, physical assault or any personal request or action that would compromise or inconvenience another employee.
2 The Company recognizes its responsibility to provide a work place of equal opportunity to all employees, and will not permit the formation of any faction or private group within the Company that might endanger this commitment.
3 The Company will endeavor to maintain and develop a mutually cooperative relationship between management and employees, based on the principle of mutually beneficial existence and prosperity.
2-4. We maintain the dignity of Samsung Electronics in our external activities
1 During the term of employment at the Company, an employee is not permitted to simultaneously maintain employment with a third party or otherwise be engaged in outside business activities, unless otherwise agreed by prior consent.
2 The Company requires that all disclosures of company information at external lectures or interviews are subject to prior scrutiny and approval.
3 The Company will not allow its officers and employees, while in office, to act as members of boards of companies with conflicts of interest or participate in competitive business activities.
3-1. We put priority on customer satisfaction in management activities
1 The Company will endeavor to reflect and give priority to the requirements and recommendations of customers for the improvement of product design, distribution, and service.
2 The Company will make every effort to engage with its customers in a polite and equitable manner based on its belief that "Samsung Electronics exists because of its customers".
3 The Company will respect the customer's right to choose by refraining from exaggerated advertisements or coercive sales techniques, which could mislead customers with regard to the quality, function and specifications of product or service.
4 The Company will endeavor to reach just resolutions of customer-related disputes and will respond to the complaints of customers in a transparent, timely and effective manner.
3-2. We pursue management focused on shareholder value
1 The Company will actively pursue increases in investment return for shareholders by maximizing profits through transparent and sound management.
2 The Company will honor its responsibility to shareholders and interested parties by announcing major financial and corporate information in good faith and in a timely fashion.
3 The Company will accept and sincerely consider legitimate petitions from external shareholders.
3-3. We endeavor to improve our employees' quality of life
1 The Company will offer equal opportunities to all employees and treat them justly based on their ability and achievement.
2 The Company will encourage continuous self-development of employees and actively support opportunities to improve their capabilities to execute their duties.
3 The Company will provide a working environment in which personal initiative and creativity are encouraged.
4-1. We pursue environment friendly management
1 The Company will make every effort to comply with international environmental standards, national laws and regulations relating to the environment and internal environmental regulations within all of its global business operations.
2 The Company will actively attempt to minimize the generation of harmful materials, utilize resources efficiently and recycle waste products for the benefit of the environment.
3 The Company will do its best to conduct environmental improvement activities throughout the whole process of product development, production, distribution, sales and disposal.
4-2. We value the health and safety of human beings
1 The Company will comply with international standards, related laws and regulations, and internal regulations governing the safety and health of its employees by providing safety education and training at regular intervals.
2 The Company will give priority consideration to the health and safety of customers in all business activities including product development, production, distribution, and sales.
3 The Company will clearly inform customers regarding the safe usage and operation of its products or services.
4 The Company will endeavor to deal promptly with the discovery of any fault in a product, which could pose a threat to the safety of customers.
5 The Company will make every effort to identify and eliminate any safety hazard found at any of its business sites, and will maintain a clear and safe environment.
5-1. We sincerely execute our basic responsibilities as a corporate citizen
1 The Company will endeavor to create stable employment and to faithfully fulfill its tax obligations.
2 The Company shall instill in its employees its belief that their behavior directly affects the overall image of the Company, and shall endeavor to maintain the good name of the Company by ensuring proper dress, courteous behavior and dignified use of language.
3 Employees are encouraged to endeavor to build trust within the local community by fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.
5-2. We respect the social and cultural values of local communities and practice co-existence
1 The Company will respect the laws, culture and values of the local communities in which it operates, and shall contribute to the improvement of the quality of life, of local residents.
2 The Company, as a global corporate citizen, will contribute to the spiritual enrichment of society by promoting and supporting public-interest activities such as academic advancement, art, culture and sports.
3 The Company will actively participate in social services such as voluteering activities and disaster relief.
5-3. We build up relationships of co-existence and co-prosperity with business partners
1 The Company will acknowledge its business partners as strategic partners based on mutual trust, and will pursue the shared value of customer satisfaction.
2 The Company will select business partners in accordance with business objectives by applying fair standards without discrimination.
3 The Company will make efforts to support the growth of business partners' competitiveness and development.
4 The Company will actively encourage business partners to fulfill their own social responsibilities with respect to safety within the workplace and the individual rights of their employees.
Environmental rules and guidelines
Environmental rules and guidelines
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Environment, Health & Safety Policy1.98 MB
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Standards for Control of Substances Used in Products1.43 MB
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REACH SVHC Declaration355 KB
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Waste Product Collection System by Region610 KB
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Correct Disposal of WEEE2.71 MB
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Requirements for Recycling Service Partners180 KB
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Ecodesign & Energy Label
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List of Regulated Substances340 KB
Labor policies
Supplier code of conduct and guide
Supplier code of conduct and guide
We align our Supplier Code of Conduct with that of the RBA and share updates with our suppliers. We also provide a guide to help them comply with the Code and to put compliance management into practice.
Responsible minerals report
Responsible minerals report
In recent years, there are ongoing issues concerning minerals mined in Conflict-affected and High-risk areas, and in this regard, stakeholders require “Responsible sourcing” of companies. Among Samsung's products, a variety of components are used that include minerals such as tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold, and cobalt to ensure the characteristics of electronics. Therefore, we continue to make every effort to minimize the negative impacts on society and the environment, such as human rights violations, and environmental degradation in the mining process, and we would like to disclose our efforts through this report.
Tax risk management policy
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