AKZ Code of conduct

AKZ Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

   SIA AKZ (AKZ) has a long-standing policy of legal, ethical and moral standards and principles in conducting a responsible business.

   The Code of Conduct (Code) applies to and must be complied with by management and employees of AKZ. The Code is applicable to all AKZ customers and suppliers (Business partners) and is considered an integral part of the agreements concluded with Business partners. Responsibility to comply with the Code rests with each individual.

   The Code is intended to provide general guidelines that will:

   • ensure compliance with laws and regulations which govern AKZ’s business activities; and
   • encourage a standard of conduct which reflects positively on AKZ and its employees.

    

   This document is designed to provide guidance and an overview of our ethical standards and expectations.

2. Our business core values

   1. Compliance with laws, rules and regulations

      AKZ are obliged to adhere to local laws, legislation and regulations that may apply to any or all of the countries in which we operate. AKZ will always aim to co-operate fully with relevant public authorities and regulatory bodies. AKZ Business partners shall act in compliance with the Code, applicable laws and regulations.

   2. Raising concerns

      AKZ encourage all employees to raise any genuine concerns they may have about unethical behaviours or practices. No employee will be penalised for disclosing wrongdoing. If there is a concern, it should raised with a direct manager in the first instance. Alternatively, it can be reported within the framework of a Whistleblowing Policy and procedure, which allow the raising any concerns to senior management confidentially and/or anonymously.

      Further guidance can be found in the AKZ Whistleblowing Policy.

   3. Prohibition of corruption and unfair competition

      We have a zero tolerance policy on bribery and corruption practice. Any form of bribery and/or corruption, including giving or receiving of bribes, tangible assets, property or other benefits from employees, Business partners, public authorities, regulatory bodies or any other person, is prohibited.

      AKZ supports the principle of fair competition. Price fixing, market sharing, and similar anti-competitive practices are prohibited. Any agreements or arrangements with customers and suppliers that limit competition are prohibited.

      AKZ employees shall report any known or suspected bribery, corruption or similar incidents to their direct manager or anonymously through the Whistleblowing Policy. We encourage any other person to report such incidents to AKZ senior management or through the procedure described in the Whistleblowing Policy.

      Further guidance is available in the AKZ Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy.

   4. Prevention of conflicts of interest

      A conflict of interest arises when the private interests of an employee conflicts with the interests of AKZ or its Business partners. AKZ avoid conflicts of interest with our Business partners and treat them fairly. AKZ will take all reasonable measures to identify any conflict of interest and organise our business to avoid and prevent them arising. An employee that identifies a potential conflict of interest should consult their direct manager and take the necessary measures.

   5. Data protection

      AKZ only collect, use and disseminate personal data if required for certain purposes. AKZ process personal data only to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and are legally obliged to safeguard the data in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). When dealing with personal data, AKZ apply the principle less is more.   

      Further guidance is available in the AKZ Privacy Policy.

   6. Money laundering and terrorist financing

      AKZ have both a moral and legal obligation to our customers, suppliers, employees and wider society to ensure our business is not involved in money laundering and terrorist financing activity. AKZ shall not be part to any transactions which is known or suspected to involve the proceeds of crime or money laundering. AKZ do not accept cash. AKZ do not do business with anyone suspected of wrongdoing unless those suspicions are reviewed and satisfactorally resolved. 

   7. Complying with economic sanctions regulations

      National authorities and global organisations (e.g. the United Nations and the European Union) impose restrictive measures against targeted sectors as well as countries, organisations, groups, entities and individuals who infringe internationally accepted behaviours and norms, including those who have been identified as being involved in weapons proliferation or being involved in bribery and corruption. Such measures are more commonly known as embargoes or sanctions. AKZ carries out sanction screening before entering into the business relations with the stakeholder in question. AKZ staff and representatives are also required to comply with applicable embargoes and sanctions. Non-compliance can expose AKZ and individuals  to civil, regulatory and criminal penalties, including substantial monetary fines and in the case of individuals, prison. Non-compliance with embargoes and sanctions also poses a substantial reputational risk for AKZ.

   8. Human rights and labour rights

      1. Modern slavery

         AKZ have a zero tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery.

         AKZ and its Business partners providing services or selling goods to AKZ shall under no circumstances employ children under the minimum age provided for in laws and regulations. Minimum age is the age when the person has completed compulsory general education, or no younger than 15 years (or 14 years where the laws and regulations of the country permits).

         Children who have reached the minimum legal age for employment shall not be employed in any hazardous work conditions or perform work that can harm the child’s personal growth, morality or development.

         AKZ and its Business partners providing services or selling goods to AKZ shall not use forced labour. Forced labour means any work or service which a person is compelled to carry out due to any threat of punishment and to which the person has not voluntarily consented.

         AKZ are committed to acting in an ethical manner and with integrity and transparency in our business dealings. If any member of staff or representative  becomes aware of anything that may constitute modern slavery, it should be reported to a direct manager in the first instance. Alternatively it can be reported through the Whistleblowing procedure.

      2. Human rights

         AKZ respects and requires it’s Business partners who provide services or sell goods to AKZ to also respect internationally proclaimed human rights and guarantee that they are not involved and will never be involved in any violations of human rights.

      3. Diversity, equal opportunities and unacceptable behaviour

         AKZ are committed to providing all employees with equal opportunities, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or political beliefs. AKZ do not tolerate discrimination in any form.

         All employees are entitled to work in a respectful environment, free from any fear of harassment, discrimination or abuse. This includes actions that are offensive, threatening or discriminatory, as well as any form of sexual harassment and bullying. AKZ comply with all applicable employment, labour and immigration requirements, and we expect employees to embrace these standards.

         Further guidance can be found in the AKZ Human Rights and Labour Policy.

   9. Work environment/ Health and safety

      The welfare of employees and Business partners associated with our operations is of vital to AKZ. We consistently strive to maintain safety, health, and secure working conditions at AKZ to comply with all health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. AKZ and its Business partners providing services or selling goods to AKZ shall ensure that all employees receive information and training in labour protection in order to be able to perform their work duties in line with applicable laws and regulations.

      Further guidance can be found in the AKZ Health and Safety Policy.

   10. Environmental protection

       AKZ recognise our obligations to take care of the environment through the prevention of pollution, and the implementation, monitoring and auditing of good environmental practices. AKZ meets the requirements of all legal, industry and other adopted standards. Where applicable, external verification schemes have been adopted. Verification schemes such as Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifications (PEFC) have been adopted to ensure when specified, timber from sustainable sources have been utilised in the manufacturing process and the supply of AKZ products. AKZ is a participant on the Sustainable Biomass Programme (SBP) scheme and compliant with all regulations from the SBP Instructions Document REDIII: Bridging Requirements for Meeting REDIII requirements. AKZ Business partners who sell or supply goods shall comply with the corresponding certification requirements.

       Further guidance can be found in the AKZ Environmental Policy.

   11. Confidential Information

       Confidential information is a valuable asset. At AKZ protecting any confidential and sensitive information is essential. This commitment applies equally to information about AKZ, our employees, and our Business partners. Inappropriate use or disclosure of such information can cause serious harm to AKZ, employees and Business partners. Confidential information means any information, whatever its form, to which the public does not have general access. Examples of confidential information include: the company’s business and financial condition, strategic/business plans, pricing information, marketing plans and business development strategies, technical data, inventions, and innovations and any information entrusted to AKZ by Business partners.

       By law, any such information is the property of AKZ and all employees are obliged and expected to protect its confidentiality. Any breach in confidentiality may result in disciplinary proceedings possibly including dismissal from AKZ.

3. Application of the Code

   AKZ employees shall organise their work and act in accordance with the principles provided for in this Code, the internal guidelines and procedures of AKZ.

   AKZ stakeholders shall follow the principles provided for in this Code and ensure that their subcontractors also follow these regulations.

   AKZ may verify and monitor compliance with this Code.

   Any employee who has a question about this Code or has any concerns regarding perceived deviations from the Code, should promptly contact his or her direct manager or senior management. Alternatively, AKZ encourage to report via the procedure described in the Whistleblowing Policy.

4. Code Changes

   AKZ reserves the rights to make any amendments to the Code without prior notice.