Supplier Code of Conduct and training
Because Microsoft is committed to promoting a positive work environment, we expect our suppliers and their employees, agents, and subcontractors to adhere to the same standards of conduct and behavior that we expect from our own employees while they are on Microsoft property or doing business with or on behalf of Microsoft.
We are committed to our mission of helping people and businesses throughout the world realize the highest levels of productivity and success. Achieving our mission isn’t just about building innovative technology, it’s also about who we are as a company and as individuals, how we manage our business internally, and how we work with customers, partners, governments, communities, and suppliers.
Download the Chinese (Simplified) Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Chinese (Traditional) Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Croatian Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the French Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the German Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Greek Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Hungarian Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Italian Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Korean Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Macedonian Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Polish Supplier Code of Conduct
Download the Romanian Supplier Code of Conduct
General information
The requirement to comply with the Supplier Code of Conduct is detailed online, through various Master agreements, and in our PO Terms and Conditions (section 14). Additionally, Suppliers acknowledge the Supplier Code of Conduct and Microsoft PO Terms and Conditions during the Microsoft Supplier setup process.
Suppliers and their employees, personnel, agents, and subcontractors (collectively referred to as "Suppliers") must adhere to this Supplier Code of Conduct while conducting business with or on behalf of Microsoft. Suppliers must require their next-tier suppliers to acknowledge and implement the SCoC in their operations and across their supply chains. Suppliers must promptly inform their Microsoft contact, a member of Microsoft management, or the contacts provided at the end of this document when any situation develops that causes the Supplier to operate in violation of this Code of Conduct.
All Microsoft Suppliers must conduct their employment practices in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and in compliance with Microsoft requirements, which may exceed local legal requirements. In all cases in which Microsoft requirements are more stringent than local legal requirements, Suppliers are required to meet the more stringent Microsoft requirements.
No. While Microsoft Suppliers are expected to self-monitor and demonstrate their compliance with the SCoC, Microsoft may audit Suppliers or inspect Suppliers' facilities used to perform work on behalf of Microsoft to confirm compliance. Suppliers that behave in a manner that is unlawful or inconsistent with the SCoC, or any Microsoft policy, risk termination of their business relationship with Microsoft. Complying with the SCoC and completing the SCoC training obligations are required in addition to meeting any other obligations contained in any agreement a Supplier may have with Microsoft.
SCoC obligations are carried down to supplier's subcontractors for work that is directly related to a Microsoft contract.
Microsoft business owners must grant suppliers approval to use a subcontractor for each engagement. There are no blanket approvals for suppliers to use subcontractors beyond the specific, approved engagement.
No, there are no Supplier Categories that prohibit the use of subcontractors.
Yes. Most work engaged with Microsoft is done so with a Statement of Work which would need to be amended to provide approval to utilize subcontractors if this was not granted at the time the contract was signed. If the engagement is not covered by a Statement of Work (SOW), the supplier is still bound to obtain permission to subcontract per the Microsoft’s Terms & Conditions.
Yes, new written approval to use subcontractors must be granted to the supplier.
Yes, the supplier’s subcontractor must complete SCoC training.
The SCoC was last updated in July 2020. Links to copies of the most recent updates to the SCoC are listed here:
Companies may be doing business with Microsoft in a variety of capacities. To the extent that a company is exclusively engaged with Microsoft in a Partner capacity and is not providing any procured goods or services to Microsoft, compliance with Microsoft's Partner Code of Conduct and related training requirements would be sufficient at this time. However, if a company is engaged with Microsoft in both a Partner and Supplier capacity, it is expected that in addition to compliance with the Partner Code, they additionally comply with Microsoft's current Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) and its related requirements.
Microsoft runs on trust. Microsoft expects Suppliers to act ethically and with integrity. Suppliers demonstrate this commitment by complying with the SCoC and ensuring their employees are trained on the Code. This requirement is included in the Master Agreement as well as in the Terms and Conditions of the Purchase Order. Additionally, Suppliers acknowledge the Supplier Code of Conduct and Microsoft PO Terms and Conditions during the Microsoft Supplier setup process.
For additional information on compliance with the SCoC training requirement please explore the training FAQs.
Yes, the license is handled when the account is created. Install Pro Plus by visiting https://portal.office.com/account#installs.
Office 365 Business Premium is a non-enterprise subscription and doesn’t have the OneNote app as part of the suite. It is recommended to have the Office 365 Pro Plus suite to ensure that software and information are managed and protected by Microsoft.
Suppliers can find information online via the Supplier Accessibility Toolkit.
Watch a short video highlighting Accessibility expectations and resources for Suppliers.