ethical business conduct

All employees (including members of management) are bound by the provisions of this Code of Conduct. It sets out the values, principles and practices that govern BARNET’s business activities worldwide. The aim of the Code of Conduct is to uphold ethical standards and create a working environment that promotes integrity, respect and fair conduct. A strict business policy in accordance with the law serves the long-term interests of the company. This Code of Conduct has been adopted and approved by the Executive Board.

The most important areas in the pursuit of this goal include:

The company considers it its duty to act in an economically, socially and environmentally conscious manner. In addition to complying with applicable regulations on environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources, the company strives to conduct its business competently and ethically. This includes, among other things, protecting fair competition in all markets in which it operates by complying with applicable antitrust, competition and restraint of trade laws.

Open and effective communication channels with our employees, suppliers, customers and all those who work with us are a basic prerequisite for a good and trusting working relationship.

The company endeavors to comply with the applicable laws and other relevant regulations in all business decisions and actions at home and abroad. Integrity and honesty promote fair competition, also towards our customers and suppliers.

Every employee has a right to fair treatment, courtesy and respect. Discrimination and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in any area of the company. In particular, no discrimination on the grounds of ethic-cultural character, disability, gender, religious belief, age or sexual orientation will be tolerated.

All employees are obliged to ensure a fast and smooth exchange of information within the company.

Information must be passed on correctly and completely to the areas concerned, unless in exceptional cases, in particular due to confidentiality obligations, overriding interests exist.

Relevant knowledge may not be unlawfully withheld, falsified or selectively passed on. Reporting within the company and to organizations or persons outside the company must be truthful.

The contents of all annual financial statements, annual reports, business papers and business books of the company must be presented accurately and comply with the applicable legal requirements and accounting guidelines.

A large part of the Company’s business information is confidential or legally protected, so there is a duty of confidentiality.

This does not apply if publication of the information has been authorized or is mandatory by law or regulation.

The duty of confidentiality relates in particular to intellectual property. This includes trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business and marketing plans, designs, business papers, salary data and all other unpublished financial data and reports.

All personal information about employees, customers, business partners and suppliers, as well as other third parties, is used carefully and treated confidentially within the company; in full compliance with data protection laws. The protection of this information must be fulfilled with the utmost care. To ensure compliance with the GDPR, the company is supported by an external data protection officer.

We expect our employees to be loyal to the company. All employees must avoid situations in which their personal or financial interests conflict with those of the company. Therefore, in particular, it is forbidden to have an interest in competitors, suppliers or customers or to enter into business relationships with them in a private capacity, insofar as this may lead to a conflict of interest.

The company takes a clear stance against corruption and bribery. Conduct in which business is conducted by unfair means will not be tolerated.

Company employees must not offer, receive or accept favors from business partners that could interfere with an objective and fair business decision or even give the appearance of doing so.

Invitations must be within the bounds of customary business hospitality. Employees shall not, by virtue of their position, personally gain direct and/or indirect advantage through access to confidential information.

All employees are responsible for the proper, careful and prudent handling of company property. Each employee is obligated to protect the company’s property against loss, damage, misuse, theft, embezzlement or destruction.

If employees have concerns or complaints about the items listed in this Code of Conduct, or become aware of any violation of the Standards of Conduct contained herein, this should be immediately brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisor for clarification. Reports of violations or complaints will be treated confidentially.

If an employee is not satisfied with the clarification, he or she may also contact Human Resources or the next supervisor confidentially or anonymously. Clarification of objections raised in good faith will take place factually, openly and without solicitation of individuals.