Code of conduct for business partners
Forword
MK Versuchsanlagen GmbH & Co. KG, has been successfully operating internationally in the live science and pharmaceutical industries since it was founded. Decisive factors for success include integrity and honest and ethical behaviour. The relationships with our business partners also contribute significantly to the success of our company. We see the basis for successful cooperation in the pursuit of common principles and values. In this code of conduct, we have laid down principles that are an essential part of cooperation with MK Versuchsanlagen. In accordance with our corporate strategy, we also expect our business partners to act responsibly and fairly. We and our business partners bear responsibility for our own actions as well as for the selection of our partners.
1. Integrity and legal compliance
Combatting corruption
Our business partners do not tolerate corruption. You will do your best to ensure that your employees, subcontractors or agents do not give, offer or accept bribes, kickbacks, improper donations or other improper payments or benefits to customers or other third parties.
Conflict of interests
Our business partners must avoid any situation that could create a conflict or the appearance of a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of MK Versuchsanlagen. If our business partner becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest, he will inform MK Versuchsanlagen immediately.
Money laundering
Our business partners prevent money laundering in their companies through appropriate organizational measures.
Confidentiality
Our business partners must protect confidential information about MK Versuchsanlagen and may not pass it on to unauthorized third parties and may only use it for MK Versuchsanlagen’s business matters. This obligation to protect MK Versuchsanlagen continues even after the relationship has ended.
Intellectual property
Our business partners may only use the intellectual property of MK Versuchsanlagen, such as development results, drawings, patents or copyrights, in a manner permitted by their contract with MK Versuchsanlagen and the law.
The intellectual property rights of others may not be misused or violated.
Fair competition
Our business partners must comply with all competition and antitrust laws and may not engage in activities that restrict or prevent competition.
2. Labour standards
Freely chosen employment
Employment with our business partners is freely chosen and there may be no forced or bonded labour. Our business partners must allow employees to terminate their employment with reasonable notice. Identity or immigration documents may not be retained, destroyed, or access denied.
Child labour
Our business partners must not use child labour and should put in place procedures to ensure that no workers are used under the local compulsory school age.
Freedom of association
Our business partners respect freedom of association and grant their employees the right to represent their interests based on national legislation.
Equal opportunities
Our business partners do not tolerate discrimination against employees in any form. Employees must generally be selected, hired and promoted based on their qualifications and skills. Equality between women and men is expected.
Occupational Health and Safety
Our business partners adhere to the applicable legal requirements for occupational health and safety at work. A safe and hygienic working environment must be ensured and appropriate safety equipment and training must be provided.
Working Hours
Our business partners must provide employees with working hours that comply with applicable regulations.
Wages and benefits
Our business partners must provide wages, benefits and overtime pay that comply with all local wage and labour laws and regulations.
3. Environmental standards
We expect our business partners to comply with the legal regulations and standards for environmental protection that affect their respective operations and to act in an environmentally conscious and sustainable manner at all locations. Environmental and climate protection as well as the promotion of biodiversity are ongoing tasks that can only be met by constantly improving the level of protection through the permanent reduction of resource consumption and waste reduction. Our business partner makes appropriate efforts to achieve this within the scope of its business activities.
4. Compliance
Reporting Violations
Our business partners must report suspected violations of legal requirements and this code of conduct.
Implementation
Our business partners assure that they will appropriately address the provisions of this code of conduct along the supply chain and enforce them against their own contractual partners through appropriate contractual provisions.
Permissions and compliance
MK Versuchsanlagen may verify compliance with this code of conduct or commission a third party to carry out an audit. Business relationships will be terminated if this code of conduct is not adhered to or if there is no commitment to a specific compliance plan in the event of non-compliance being discovered.