1) Currently Valid Code of Conduct for Suppliers
At KOBIT, we are aware of our role in society and of our responsibility towards our owners and employees, as well as our customers and business partners.
Long-term success as a business can only be achieved through integrity in all areas of business conduct. We therefore adhere to ethical and moral principles, comply with all applicable legal regulations and act in accordance with the principles of sustainability.
The KOBIT Code of Conduct for Suppliers applies to natural and legal persons – and their affiliated companies – that supply goods or services to KOBIT (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Supplier”).
Each Supplier is obliged to comply with the provisions of this Code of Conduct for KOBIT Suppliers.
KOBIT reserves the right to monitor and verify the Supplier’s compliance with this Code of Conduct for KOBIT Suppliers, in particular by means of written confirmation or external verification carried out by a KOBIT employee. By entering into a contractual relationship with KOBIT, Suppliers undertake to comply with this Code of Conduct and to provide all necessary cooperation for the purpose of verifying compliance with this obligation.
A breach of this Code of Conduct for KOBIT Suppliers may result in termination of the contractual relationship between KOBIT and the Supplier in breach and/or the assertion of other claims against such Supplier. The Supplier is obliged to ensure that its employees and contractual partners engaged in fulfilling obligations towards KOBIT comply with the provisions of this Code of Conduct.
2) Fundamental Obligations
2.1 Compliance with Legal Regulations and Binding Technical Standards
Suppliers are obliged to comply with all applicable legal regulations and binding technical standards in the countries in which they carry out activities for KOBIT.
Within the scope of their activities, Suppliers must maintain appropriate control systems designed to prevent violations of the legal regulations and binding technical standards and to enable verification of compliance with such regulations and standards.
2.2 Respect for and Protection of Human Rights
Suppliers are obliged to protect human rights and to treat each employee fairly, with dignity and respect. They must also respect employees’ personal rights, including the right to dignity and privacy.
2.3 Compliance with Labour Rights
Within the framework of their employment policies, Suppliers must respect the right to freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the principles of equal opportunities. They must undertake not to discriminate against employees on the grounds of gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, skin colour, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs or any similar grounds. No physical or psychological violence, sexual harassment or other inappropriate conduct shall be tolerated towards employees.
Suppliers must ensure that they do not use or benefit from any form of child labour or forced labour. All applicable legal regulations and binding international agreements and conventions governing minimum working age and working conditions must be observed.
Employee remuneration and working hours must comply with the applicable legal regulations.
The Supplier must ensure occupational health and safety for its employees and create an environment that actively supports the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases and minimises health risks. Suppliers must comply with occupational health and safety regulations and require compliance from their employees and contractual partners.
2.4 Fair Competition
Suppliers are obliged to comply with competition law regulations and must not enter into any prohibited anti-competitive agreements.
2.5 Anti-Corruption
KOBIT applies a zero-tolerance policy to corruption and bribery. Under no circumstances may Suppliers request, offer or accept a bribe or other unlawful payment, or any other non-monetary benefit (e.g. gifts, entertainment, favours) for the purpose of obtaining business or other advantages in connection with KOBIT.
2.6 Support and Sponsorship
Support and sponsorship may only be provided on a voluntary basis, in compliance with the applicable legal regulations, and must not be used to obtain unlawful advantages.
2.7 Protection of Personal Data
Suppliers must respect and comply with the applicable personal data protection regulations.
2.8 Environmental Protection
Suppliers are obliged to comply with all the applicable legal regulations and binding technical standards and to minimise the adverse environmental impact of their activities. Suppliers shall implement appropriate management systems aimed at ensuring the efficient and responsible use of natural resources, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminating environmental risks.
2.9 Confidential Information and Intellectual Property
Suppliers are obliged to ensure that confidential information and trade secrets of KOBIT obtained in the course of business cooperation are securely protected and are not used or disclosed to third parties without the prior consent of the relevant authorised representative of KOBIT.