This Code of Conduct is based on a shared conception of socially responsible company management as defined by the following guiding principles. We, the undersigned company, Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG) accept responsibility for the consequences of our business decisions and activities in respect of the legal, economic, technical, social and environmental implications as far as possible within our available scope of action. We thus contribute to the societal and economic development of the countries and regions in which we operate. Our actions are consistent with the relevant legal regulations. We are guided by ethical values and principles, in particular integrity and honesty, as well as respect for the dignity of human beings as set out in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Core Labour Standards of the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This Code of Conduct defines the basic principles of our actions, and we actively demand that it is observed by our employees worldwide. Its standards apply in all branch offices and business units within our company. We expect the same basic understanding from our business partners. It is not intended to constitute a basis for third-party rights.

It is a matter of course for us that we will comply with current laws and other legal requirements in the countries in which we operate. In cases where local laws and regulations are less restrictive, our actions are guided by the principles of this Code of Conduct. Where there is a direct conflict between mandatory local law and the principles contained in this Code of Conduct, the local laws shall take precedence. Nevertheless, we endeavour to comply with the content of this Code of Conduct.

We have implemented suitable compliance measures so that the following areas are covered appropriately:

We do not tolerate corruption, bribery or blackmail; they impede fair competitive conditions. Gifts made with the intention of influencing business decisions or which could give the appearance of doing so or to obtain some other undue advantage are neither promised, offered, granted, requested nor accepted in our business relationships. Nor do we allow these to be promised to us. Especially strict standards must be applied when dealing with people for whom particular rules apply under criminal and liability law (e.g. public officials).

We operate in compliance with national and international competition and anti-trust legislation and do not participate in price agreements, sharing markets or collusion in respect of customers, markets and bids.

Money laundering is the term used for bringing money obtained illegally or from illegally acquired assets into the legal financial and economic system. We comply with our legal obligations to prevent money laundering and do not participate in transactions that serve to disguise or integrate criminal or illegally acquired assets.

We protect confidential information and respect intellectual property; transfers of technology and know-how must be made in a way that protects intellectual property rights, customer information, business secrets and information that is not in the public domain. We observe the current laws to protect business secrets and treat our business partners’ confidential information accordingly.

We process, store and protect personal data in compliance with statutory regulations. Personal data is therefore treated confidentially and only collected for legal, previously defined purposes in a transparent manner. We only process personal data if it is protected against loss, modification and unauthorised use or disclosure using appropriate technical and organisational measures.

We undertake to comply with legal standards relevant to export controls – including but not limited to approval requirements, export bans and support bans – in the course of shipping and exporting our goods.

We avoid internal and external conflicts of interest which could illegitimately influence business relationships, e.g. through persons close to us (e.g. spouses, partners, relatives and friends) in key positions or significant shareholdings with our business partners. Where this is not successful, we disclose these conflicts.

We protect our employees’ health by taking suitable measures in relation to health and safety at work that provide appropriate cover in the following areas:

• Compliance with current laws and guidance set out in international standards relating to health and safety at work;
• Suitable workplace design, safety regulations and provision of suitable personal protective equipment;
• Implementation of preventive checks, emergency measures, an accident reporting system and further suitable measures for continuous improvement;
• Provision of access to adequate quantities of drinking water and access to clean sanitary facilities for employees.
We ensure that our employees have received adequate instruction.

Remuneration is based on current laws and is supplemented by the relevant national legislation on minimum wages. Employees are given clear, detailed and regular information on the composition of their remuneration.
We comply with current laws and (international) working standards in respect of the maximum permissible working hours and ensure that

• working time, including overtime, does not exceed the relevant legally permissible maximum limits;
• the hours worked per week, including overtime, do not exceed 60 hours per week, even in exceptional circumstances and even if no such stipulations exist;
• employees have at least one full day per calendar week free.

We pay attention to and support compliance with internationally recognised human rights and

• respect the personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of each individual;
• protect and uphold the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression;
• do not tolerate unacceptable treatment of employees such as physical and psychological hardship, sexual and personal harassment or discrimination.

We do not tolerate any child labour. We do not employ any employees who cannot prove that they are at least 15 years old, and we require proof of age to be submitted. We do not hire employees for dangerous work who, according to ILO Convention No. 182, cannot prove that they are at least 18 years old.

Forced labour, modern slavery or comparable acts that involve the deprivation of liberty are forbidden. All work must be voluntary, and it must be possible to end the employment relationship.

We respect the right of employees to freedom of association, freedom of assembly and to engage in collective bargaining and pay negotiations, providing this is legally permissible and possible in the relevant country in which we are operating. If this is not permissible, we look for appropriate compromises for our employees.

We encourage equal opportunities and do not tolerate discrimination. We treat all people equally regardless of gender, age, skin colour, ethnic origin, sexual identity and orientation, disability, religious affiliation, worldview or other personal attributes.

We act in compliance with current legislation and are guided by international standards in order to minimise negative impacts on the environment and continuously improve our activities in respect of environment and climate protection. All employees are made aware of environmental issues. We have implemented appropriate environmental protection measures that cover the following topics appropriately:

• Setting objectives, defining and implementing measures and ensuring the continuous improvement of these;
• Environmental aspects such as the reduction of CO2 emissions, increasing energy efficiency, using renewable forms of energy, safeguarding the quality of water and reducing water consumption, encouraging resource efficiency, reducing waste and disposing of waste in the proper way and responsibly handling substances that are dangerous to human beings and the environment.

We exercise the necessary care to take measures to avoid using conflict minerals in our products in order to prevent human rights violations, corruption and financing armed groups or similar via this route.

We expect our suppliers to comply with the principles of this Code of Conduct or to apply comparable codes of conduct. Furthermore, we encourage them to implement the criteria in this Code of Conduct in their own supply chains.

Where the interests of consumers are affected, we follow consumer protection provisions and appropriate sales, marketing and information practices. Special attention is paid to groups that require particular protection (e.g. young people or pregnant women).

We make suitable and reasonable efforts to continuously implement, document and apply the principles and values in the Code of Conduct. All employees are made aware of what this Code of Conduct contains. Violations of the Code of Conduct are not tolerated and can have consequences under employment law.

We communicate openly in dialogue with employees, customers, suppliers and other interest and stakeholder groups regarding the requirements of this Code of Conduct and its implementation.

We offer our employees and business partners access to a protected mechanism that will allow them to confidentially report possible violations of the principles of this Code of Conduct. If you have any information, please contact the responsible person in the compliance/reporting office directly or anonymously.

E-Mail:

Meldestelle-Focke-Verden@focke.de