Transparancy Act

All Norwegian companies are expected to map, prevent, limit and communicate how they manage risk related to human rights and decent working conditions through due diligence processes.

Transparency Act Statement 2025

Mustad Autoline AS is committed to conducting its business with integrity, respecting human rights, and contributing to sustainable development.

The Transparency Act (Åpenhetsloven) came into effect on July 1, 2022. Its purpose is to promote companies’ respect for fundamental human rights and decent working conditions and to ensure public access to information about how companies address these issues. Mustad Autoline is subject to this legislation, cf. Transparency Act §§ 2 and 3. In accordance with Transparency Act § 5, Mustad Autoline hereby publishes its updated statement on due diligence assessments.

This statement is based on the latest financial year, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. It will be updated in the event of significant changes in the company’s risk assessments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FOLLOW-UP OF THE TRANSPARENCY ACT

2.1 General description of the business

Mustad Autoline is a seventh-generation family business with roots dating back to 1832. The company develops and manufactures automated deck equipment for longline fishing, internationally recognized for its quality and durability. Central to this achievement are rigorous quality control measures and a highly skilled workforce. The Autoline System includes a baiting machine, line hauler, hook separator, and storage magazines for fishing gear. Products are primarily developed and produced in-house at Mustad Autoline’s facilities in Gjøvik, Norway.

Mustad Autoline is a Norwegian-registered company with branch companies in the USA, Canada, and Iceland.

2.2 Anchoring human rights and working conditions

The company’s due diligence work under the Transparency Act is firmly anchored in internal governance structures, including the board’s decision to operate in full compliance with the Act.

Responsible sourcing is integrated into our corporate strategy. All business partners are required to sign Mustad Autoline’s Code of Conduct, and we conduct regular risk assessments and audits of our customers and suppliers. Our supplier base primarily includes partners from Europe, Asia and USA.

Mustad Autoline has developed guidelines for due diligence assessments of its supply chain, outlining procedures for identifying and mitigating actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights and decent working conditions. Suppliers must commit to these standards and ensure the same among their subcontractors. They are also required to report any identified risks, with corrective actions expected where applicable. Mustad Autoline prefers a collaborative, improvement-oriented approach but reserves the right to terminate contracts in cases of non-compliance.

Internally, we have systems for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and employment practices. The Supply Chain Manager holds overall responsibility for follow-up under the Transparency Act. For more information, please contact us at: mail@mustadautoline.com

3. CONDUCTED DUE DILIGENCE ASSESSMENT

3.1 Methodology

Mustad Autoline developed internal procedures for due diligence assessments in 2022, based on OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These procedures are continuously refined and integrated into our quality assurance systems.

Suppliers are subject to a tiered assessment system based on factors such as purchase volume, country of origin, industry risk level, and relevance under the Transparency Act. Information is gathered through self-assessment questionnaires covering HSE practices, labor conditions, and legal compliance. These are supplemented with internal and external data sources.

3.2 Findings

In the 2024 assessment cycle, no actual adverse impacts were identified within Mustad Autoline’s own operations, which remain fully compliant with Norwegian labor laws.

No specific instances of human rights violations or unacceptable working conditions were identified among suppliers. However, some suppliers were flagged as higher risk due to geographic location or industry sector. These suppliers will be prioritized for deeper evaluation and engagement during 2025.

4. COMPLETED AND PLANNED MEASURES

Mustad Autoline has developed internal protocols to respond to identified risks or violations in the supply chain. While no violations requiring immediate action have been found, we are committed to proactive and continuous improvement.

We are enhancing supply chain transparency through:

  • Ongoing implementation of our Supplier Code of Conduct

  • Use of a detailed supplier questionnaire for risk mapping

  • Increased engagement with higher-risk suppliers

  • Monitoring other companies’ Transparency Act disclosures where relevant

Further steps will be considered as new information becomes available. Mustad Autoline remains committed to conducting responsible due diligence and strengthening our practices in line with legal obligations and ethical standards.