Code of Conduct
AMMPL (BME) Code of Conduct against
Corruption, Child Labour and Cartels
The Association Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (AMMPL or "BME" in German), Frankfurt, introduced a new cross-sector Code of Conduct in Berlin on 10th November 2008 at the "43rd BME Symposium Purchasing and Logistics". The Code of Conduct contains fundamental rules for combating corruption, collusion in violation of anti-trust law, child and forced labour as well as for promoting ethical principles towards suppliers (compliance). The Code also encompasses principles for upholding human rights, protecting the environment and health and fair working conditions.
Companies recognise the Code through their voluntary accession. The signatories will be included in a list each business partner will be able to review on a special AMMPL website starting in 2009.
"AMMPL, as a cross-sector association, has the task of fostering a greater corporate awareness for ethical issues," according to AMMPL Managing Director Dr Holger Hildebrandt. Especially for medium-sized companies that often operate without their own compliance structure, the Code offers vital guidance.
Hildebrandt: "The credibility of a Code of Conduct stands or falls of course on the consistent implementation of appropriate measures.” Examples: regular self-reporting with regard to implemented compliance measures, designation of ombudspersons as contacts in case of conflicts of interest, creation of policies for receiving and/or giving gifts and the handling of company secrets, along with principles for preventing discrimination. "In parallel, it is our job to make it unequivocally clear to our own employees, but also to our suppliers, what the compliance principles are all about and what will happen if they are violated,“ says Hildebrandt. He added that, moreover, each company can demand additional ethical requirements of itself but also of its business partners.
The AMMPL Code of Conduct is grounded in the basic principles of the "UN Global Compact" and thus in a worldwide context that transcends the corporate realm. The precursors of the AMMPL Code of Conduct were the association's ethics and environmental codes. Experts from AMMPL member companies gave decisive input towards developing the new Code. Currently in planning are special directives for areas fraught with risk along with events and certification seminars on the topic of "Compliance".
MORE INFORMATION:
Association Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (AMMPL)
Sebastian Schröder
- Lawyer -
Bolongarostr. 82, 65929 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)69 / 3 08 38-141,
Fax: +49 (0)69 / 3 08 38-199
Mobile +49 (0)174 / 9 28 90 84
