OUR CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SUPPLIERS

1. Preamble

This Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations for the behaviour and conduct of all suppliers working with our company. Our goal is to ensure that all business practices are conducted with the highest standards of ethics, integrity and accountability. The Code serves as a basic framework for ethical decision-making and conduct, contributing to an environment of trust, transparency and respect among all stakeholders.

Suppliers are required to comply with the principles set out in this Code in all their activities related to our company. We expect our suppliers to act in compliance with laws and regulations, promote sustainable and fair business practices, reduce environmental burdens and contribute to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. This code not only defines minimum standards of conduct, but also encourages suppliers to continuously improve and innovate in the areas of ethics, sustainability and responsibility. Adherence to these principles is key to maintaining long-term and prosperous business relationships.

2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Suppliers working with our company are required to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards of the countries in which they operate. This obligation includes, but is not limited to:

• Laws and Regulations: Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including local, regional and international laws that apply to their business activities. This includes laws relating to taxes, trade, penalties, customs regulations and other relevant legislation.
• Occupational safety: suppliers are required to ensure that their working environment is safe and healthy. They must comply with all occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, including implementing appropriate safety measures, training employees and providing adequate protective equipment.
• Environmental protection: Contractors must comply with all environmental laws and regulations that are in effect. Above and beyond the applicable legislation, our suppliers are committed to taking maximum responsibility for minimizing the negative impact of their activities on the environment, including proper waste management, emission reduction and efficient use of natural resources.
• Labour law: suppliers must respect and comply with all labour laws and regulations that protect the rights of employees. This includes, but is not limited to, laws relating to working hours, wages, remuneration, payment of compulsory contributions, freedom of association, collective bargaining and prohibition of child and forced labour.
• Ethical business practices: suppliers are required to act with integrity and transparency in all business transactions. They must avoid all forms of corruption, bribery and conflicts of interest. We expect them to promote ethical behaviour and conduct not only within their own organisation but also among their partners and subcontractors.
• Protection of Confidential Information: suppliers must protect the company’s confidential information and not use it for personal gain. Company information may only be shared with permission and in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

3. Antitrust Precautions

Suppliers must comply with all applicable antitrust and economic laws and regulations. They are required to:

• Fair Competition: Promote and maintain fair and open competition, and not engage in any conduct that could be considered collusion, price-fixing, or other forms of illegal market monopolization.
• Transparent practices: ensure transparency in business dealings and avoid any behaviour that could distort fair competition.

4. Anti-corruption Measures

Suppliers must implement measures against corruption and bribery. They are required to:

• Integrity: avoid all forms of corruption, bribery, fraud and extortion. This includes not giving or accepting bribes or any other improper benefits.
• Ethical culture: Promote a culture of ethics and integrity in all aspects of their operations, including regular training of employees on anti-corruption practices.

5. Protection and Use of Information

Suppliers must protect sensitive information and respect intellectual property. They are required to:

• Confidentiality: maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of working with our company, not to misuse it and to protect it from unauthorized access or disclosure.
• Intellectual Property: Respect all intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights and trademarks.

6. Human Rights

Suppliers are obliged to respect and promote the protection of fundamental human rights. They are obliged to:

• Respect human rights: respect the rights of all individuals with whom they come into contact, including the right to dignity, privacy and fair treatment.
• Prohibition of child and forced labour: Ensure that they do not engage in or support child or forced labour in any form.

7. Labour Standards

Contractors must maintain high labour standards. They are required to:

• Fair Working Conditions: Provide fair working conditions that include fair wages, reasonable hours and a safe working environment.
• Freedom of Association: Respect employees’ right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Non-discrimination: Ensure that no employee is discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.

8. Quality Assurance

Suppliers must ensure the high quality of their products and services. They must:

• Quality Products and Services: provide products and services that meet our established requirements and specifications and conform to high quality standards.
• Quality Control: Establish effective quality management systems that include regular inspection and testing of products and services to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

9. Reporting and problem solving

Suppliers must have mechanisms in place for reporting and resolving problems. They are required to:

• Reporting mechanisms: Establish clear and confidential mechanisms for reporting problems, violations of the Code of Conduct and other non-conformities.
• Problem resolution: Respond quickly and effectively to reported problems and non-conformities, implement the necessary measures to resolve them and prevent recurrence.

10. Continuous improvement

Suppliers understand that we strive for continuous improvement in our processes and procedures. Therefore, we invite our partners to participate in joint:

• Improvement and Innovation: i.e., to actively seek ways to improve the efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability of our products, services and operating procedures.
• Performance evaluation: to regularly assess their performance, identify areas for improvement and implement innovations and changes that lead to better results.

Conclusion

Adherence to these principles is key to maintaining trust and long-term engagement with our company.

In Chrášťany on
Ascendum Stavební stroje Czech s.r.o.
Ing. David Pipal/Director