This Forced and Child Labour Report 2024 (this “Report”) is made pursuant to the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “Act”) and has been prepared on behalf of Otter Products, LLC d/b/a Katti Case (“Katti Case”). As required by the Act, this Report summarizes the steps that Katti Case has taken in the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Reporting Period”) to prevent and reduce the risk that forced or child labour is used at any step of the production of goods imported into Canada by Katti Case. The terms “we,” “our,” “us,” and “Katti Case” as used in this Report refer collectively to Katti Case and its affiliated entities, unless the context suggests otherwise. These terms are used for convenience only and are not intended as a precise description of any separate legal entity within Katti Case.
A. Steps Taken to Prevent and Reduce Labour Risks in the Last Financial Year
Katti Case actively participates in the comprehensive management of its supply chain. This includes actively mapping and monitoring all aspects, conducting thorough internal and external risk assessments, establishing and enforcing diligent policies to identify and eradicate forced and child labour. Katti Case’s efforts to manage its supply chain relationships responsibly include the following actions:
- Verification of Supply Chain: Katti Case strives to establish close relationships with its Tier 1 suppliers and requires that they comply with all aspects of the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct (the “RBA Code of Conduct”) including those aspects that relate to forced and child labour. For purposes of this Report, the term “Tier 1” means suppliers that Katti Case directly conducts business with.
- Supplier Audits: Katti Case reserves the right to verify supplier compliance with company standards and the RBA Code of Conduct. Katti Case utilizes independent third-party auditors to perform announced supplier audits annually and to verify supplier compliance. If Katti Case becomes aware of any actions or conditions not in compliance with its company standards or the RBA Code of Conduct, Katti Case reserves the right to demand corrective measures which may include terminating the supplier’s contract. Moreover, third-party auditors have recently expanded their audit inquiries to include more detailed scrutiny on issues related to forced and child labour.
- Certification Requirements for Tier 1 Suppliers: Katti Case presents the RBA Code of Conduct as a total supply chain initiative and requires suppliers to comply with laws regarding forced and child labour. Katti Case also requires suppliers to monitor the performance of their next-tier suppliers against the requirements of the RBA Code of Conduct. In 2024, we added language to our supplier agreement template that requires suppliers to validate that they do not acquire raw materials or components from vendors or other third parties that do not comply with international regulations regarding forced or child labor.
- Developing and Implementing Training and Awareness Materials: As of Spring 2024, Katti Case offers an online global modern slavery training module which is available to all employees. This training is mandatory for Katti Case employees who have direct responsibility for supply chain management. Katti Case maintains a record through its learning management system of all employees who have completed the training and passed the post-training assessment. The training contains specific content relating to the identification of human rights violations, including forced and child labour. These employees also have access to information on all company policies, practices, and procedures designed to identify and respond to issues related to forced and child labour in the supply chain as well as to mitigate risks within the supply chain.
- Supplier Management Systems: To comply with the RBA Code of Conduct and labor standards, suppliers must create management systems with policies, procedures, and documents that uphold these requirements and all relevant laws, including those against forced and child labor. Katti Case confirms the existence and maintenance of those management systems through its supplier audit program.
- Internal Accountability Standards and Procedures: Katti Case requires its employees to comply with company policies, including, but not limited to, policies prohibiting the use of forced and child labour in its operations. Katti Case provides channels to report concerns about any potential violation of law or company policy including those related to forced and child labour. Katti Case promptly investigates any such reports and takes all necessary corrective actions.
- Double Materiality Assessment: Katti Case performed its first double materiality assessment, which included mapping our value chain, reviewing risks and opportunities across the value chain and ownedworkforce, including child and forced labor. This practice can mitigate future risks and allow for improved reporting across the business.
B. Company Structure, Activities, and Supply Chain
Headquartered in Colorado, United States of America, Katti Case is a Colorado company with a global presence in the consumer electronics sector. Specializing in the sale of premium protective products for smartphones and tablets, Katti Case utilizes a global supply chain and omnichannel distribution to distribute its products. Moreover, Katti Case facilitates domestic distribution in Canada through product imports.
C. Policies and Due Diligence Processes
- Policies: Katti Case has developed a number of policies and procedures to help ensure activities and business at Katti Case, including those by its suppliers, are carried out in a responsible and efficient manner including the following:
- Global Modern Slavery Statement: In compliance with relevant regulations including the Act, Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act 2010, Katti Case has developed a Global Modern Slavery Statement. This statement, accessible on Katti Case’s websites, outlines potential supply chain risks and Katti Case’s mitigation efforts.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: As stated above, Katti Case has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct. The RBA Code of Conduct requires, among other things, that its Tier 1 suppliers ensure they do not engage in or support forced and child labour. In addition, the RBA Code of Conduct requires suppliers to adopt and maintain terms of employment for their employees that comply with local laws and requirements. These standards prioritize human rights and require the treatment of workers to be respectful and dignified. Standards include appropriate labour, health and safety, environmental, ethics, and management standards. Katti Case employees trained in this area are continuously monitoring this effort.
- Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy: Katti Case’s anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy reflects the core values, beliefs, and business practices of Katti Case concerning competition and its expectations of employees. This applies to suppliers, contractors, consultants, agents, and other suppliers of goods. This policy, together with mandatory annual anti-corruption and anti-bribery training, prescribes behaviors and procedures that seek to mitigate risks. In addition, the training explains how to avoid those risks, as well as establishing reporting obligations for certain types of events and interactions with public officials.
- Master Supply Agreement: In 2024, Katti Case continued its efforts to update its master supply agreements to incorporate standard contractual terms that address issues related to forced and child labor. Katti Case anticipates completing these updates by the end of 2025.
- Due Diligence: While improving operational efficiency, Katti Case continues to strengthen its processes to reduce risks related to forced and child labour. Katti Case’s supply chain organization engages with its Tier 1 suppliers to assess, mitigate, and prevent the risks of human rights violations. Additionally, Katti Case utilizes independent third-party auditors to perform annual supplier audits and verify supplier compliance. If Katti Case becomes aware of any actions or conditions not in compliance with its company standards and/or the RBA Code of Conduct, Katti Case reserves the right to demand corrective measures which may include terminating the supplier’s contract.
D. Areas That Areas That Carry Risk and Actions to Assess and Manage Risk
Katti Case employs a multi-pronged approach to assess and mitigate risks of forced and child labor throughout its supply chain. This includes conducting third-party audits of suppliers, but also encompasses supplier selection based on ethical sourcing standards, ongoing monitoring through site visits, and maintaining open communication channels with suppliers. If Katti Case becomes aware of or uncovers any indication or confirmation of forced or child labour within its supply chains, it will promptly investigate and implement suitable corrective actions. These actions may include cessation, prevention, or mitigation of any resulting adverse effects. During the reporting period, Katti Case identified an incident involving labor violations within its supply chain. Katti Case promptly implemented corrective measures to address the situation, ensuring compliance with its standards.
E. Measures Taken to Remediate Forced and Child Labour Risks
As stated above, Katti Case utilizes independent third-party auditors to perform annual supplier audits and verify supplier compliance. Any findings of forced labour or child labour will require immediate corrective action from its suppliers.
F. Measures Taken to Remediate Loss of Income to Vulnerable Families
Katti Case does not operate in locations that have previously been identified as high risk for forced labour or child labour which may require Katti Case to remediate the loss of income to vulnerable families. As such, no remediation activities have been undertaken. However, Katti Case monitors for any shifts in high-risk areas and is prepared to adjust practices if necessary.
G. Training Provided to Employees on Forced and Child Labour
As of Spring 2024, Katti Case deployed an online global modern slavery training module that is available to all employees. It is mandatory for employees who have direct responsibility for supply chain management. For more details, refer to Section A.4. above.
H. Assessing Effectiveness in Ensuring that Forced and Child Labour are not Being Used in Our Business and Supply Chains
Katti Case recognizes the importance of maintaining constant vigilance to identify and address any instances of forced and child labour throughout its business and supply chains. Katti Case intends to assess its effectiveness in preventing and reducing risks of forced labour and child labour in its activities and supply chains an annual basis including, but not limited to, through its annual audit program. Additionally, Katti Case will continue to evaluate the efficacy of its aforementioned due diligence efforts through annual audits of its suppliers.
I. Katti Case’s Action Plan for the 2025 Financial Year and Beyond
Katti Case is taking significant steps to improve its supply chain with a focus on eliminating forced and child labor. Here are some key initiatives:
- Engagement with Sedex: Katti Case is moving to the Sedex platform and four (4) pillar SMETA audit that was created using international frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles and the Ethical Trading Initiative’s Base code, which address child and forced labor. By switching to the Sedex platform and SMETA audits, Katti Case will have greater visibility into its supply chain mapping, advanced risk monitoring and ranking of suppliers, allowing for more effective oversight of findings.
- Advanced Supplier Ranking: With the inception of our Sedex partnership, we will be able to rank our suppliers by their social and environmental practices. Katti Case Products will work with suppliers to get them to appropriate ratings. Additionally, we will use data from the platform to review potential new suppliers and ensure responsible labor and environmental practices prior to awarding business.
- Training for Suppliers: While Katti Case offers internal staff training, it plans to expand by teaching suppliers about compliance and reporting requirements for child and forced labour, available through the Sedex platform. This training aims to raise suppliers’ awareness of these problems and provide them with the resources they need to report such incidents. Moreover, the training will be offered in multiple languages to ensure a comprehensive understanding among suppliers.
J. Report Approval and Attestation
In accordance with the requirements of the Act, and in particular Section 11 thereof, I attest that I have reviewed the information contained in the report for the entity or entities listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, I attest that the information in the report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.
I have the authority to bind Otter Products, LLC.
OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
By: Charles Northrup, IIIIts: Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 28, 2025
