Code of conduct

Compliance with the globally valid laws for the protection of human rights as fundamental and universal guidelines. These include in particular the rejection of forced and child labour or human trafficking, the observance of regulations concerning legal minimum age and the basic freedom of association.

Prohibition of discrimination on account of:

• ethnical or national affiliation,
• race,
• sex,
• religion,
• ideology,
• age,
• disbility,
• sexual orientation
• or other legally protected characteristics, unless otherwise required by mandatory law.

Awareness of responsibility concerning all environmental protection issues.
This includes:

• compliance with legal provisions concerning the environment and sustainability,
• economical use of natural resources
• and minimization of environmental impact.

Observation of all applicable product safety regulations and guidelines, in particular:

• legal requirements concerning safety, labelling and packaging of products
• and use of hazardous materials.

Observance of all applicable regulations for safety and health protection at the workplace, and support in the development and improvement of working conditions.

The appropriate remuneration of all employees is ensured. The level is oriented to the legal minimum wages or pay guaranteed under special tariff agreements and the respective labour market.

Regardless of personal interests and relationships, all decisions must be made on the basis of objective criteria.

All forms of corruption are prohibited:

• Bribes,
• Kickbacks,
• inadmissible donations,
• other inadmissible payments or advantages over customers, officials or other third parties.

Inappropriate benefits, whether direct or indirect, in the form of:

• financial support,
• gifts or
• invitations

for the purpose of exerting undue influence must be refused if they exceed a value of 35 euros. Hospitality within the limits of reasonable and usual business practice is permissible and must be notified to the Code of Conduct compliance officer.

Statutory regulations must be strictly observed in dealings with authorities and public bodies.

Current legislation must be complied with when drawing on the services of consultants and brokers. Remuneration paid to consultants and brokers must be in proportion to the actual services rendered.

Compliance with all applicable antitrust laws and rejection of:

• agreements with competitors
• and abuse of a dominant market position.

Compliance with all valid legislation concerning the import and export of goods, services and information.

Business relationships should be maintained only with business partners of integrity and in compliance with the valid legal provisions concerning money laundering.

The publication of business data and activities must reflect the truth and be in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

All applicable laws for personal data concerning:

• Employees,
• Customers,
• suppliers and
• others

must be complied with.

All trade and business secrets must be respected and such information may only be passed on to a third party with prior written consent.

Tangible and intangible assets must be:

• respected,
• protected from damage or
• abuse and under no circumstances
• used for unlawful or non-company purposes.