Introduction
The BarrelQ Company is committed to conducting its business ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This Code of Conduct outlines the principles and standards that The BarrelQ Company expects its suppliers and partners to adhere to in their business activities.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Suppliers and partners must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, with a particular emphasis on those relevant to the European Union. This includes, but is not limited to, laws related to labor, environment, health and safety, and anti-corruption.
Labor Standards
Suppliers and partners shall uphold fundamental labor rights, including the right to freely associate, the right to collective bargaining, and the prohibition of forced labor and child labor, in accordance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
Working Conditions
Suppliers and partners are expected to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees, including compliance with relevant occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
Anti-Corruption
Suppliers and partners shall not engage in any form of bribery, corruption, extortion, or any other unethical business practices. All business dealings must be transparent and conducted with integrity.
Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers and partners must comply with environmental laws and regulations, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices. This includes proper waste disposal, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing of materials.
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
Suppliers and partners must respect and protect the confidentiality and intellectual property of The BarrelQ Company and its clients. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information is strictly prohibited.
Fair Competition
Suppliers and partners shall promote fair competition and comply with antitrust and competition laws. Practices such as price fixing, bid rigging, and other anti-competitive behaviors are strictly prohibited.
Reporting Violations
Suppliers and partners are encouraged to promptly report any violations of this Code of Conduct to The BarrelQ Company. The BarrelQ Company is committed to investigating and addressing reported violations in a fair and timely manner.
Alignment with SMETA and ETI
This Code of Conduct is aligned with the ETI Base Code and supports compliance with SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) requirements.
Audits and Monitoring
The BarrelQ Company reserves the right to assess and monitor compliance of it’s suppliers and partners with this Code of Conduct. This may include self-assessments, document reviews, or audits, including SMETA-based audits, conducted directly or by third parties. Suppliers and partners are expected to cooperate fully with such assessments.