our ethics

Ethically sourced stone is at the forefront of the Stonemarket agenda. However many suppliers importing Indian natural sandstone are not engaged in auditing how their stone is produced. However, Stonemarket understands that regulation and auditing are essential to ensure international governance and ethical trading with developing countries.

As a member of ETI we are committed to progressively improving conditions in our suppliers' work places and to improving the lives of workers who make our products. We have signed up to the nine point ETI Base Code, which has the following principles:

• No-one should be forced to work
• Workers are free to join and form trade unions and bargin with management
• Working conditions are safe and hygienic
• Child labour shall not be used
• Living wages are paid
• Working hours are not excessive
• No discrimination is practised
• Regular employment is provided
• No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

Stonemarket Ethical Partners

• Stonemarket has teamed up with a number of our Stockists to create the
  Ethical Partner Scheme.
• Stonemarket only import ethically sourced natural stone that uses no child
  labour and where workers are paid living wages and have proper health and
  safety equipment.
• Stonemarket’s Ethical Partners have pledged to stock only Stonemarket
  ethically sourced stone imported stone so that you, our customers, can be
  absolutely sure that you will be buying stone that has been ethically
  manufactured.
• All Stonemarket Ethical Partners can be identified by the Ethical Partner logo on
  the stockist search facility on this website. They will also have posters and
  signs displayed in their yards to highlight details of their membership.
• To be completely reassured that the Stone you are purchasing is free from
  child labour, buy Stonemarket natural stone ideally from a Stonemarket
  Ethical Partner.

Independently Audited Results As a member of the ETI, Stonemarket has a programme in place to assess working conditions in our suppliers' work places. These suppliers are audited independently on the ETI nine point base code - and re-audited regularly to ensure compliance.

In India, Stonemarket only buys sandstone from Stone Shippers India, which in addition to the ETI base code compliance, is certified by AQSR not to source any raw materials from quarries employing child labour. We will continue to undertake regular auditing to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at all times.

No child labour is used in the production of our natural stone. For a more in depth look at the truth about important Indian Sandstone please click here