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About the Code

About the Code

The Code is brought to life in the processes of a company
The Code is very straightforward in its objective: compliance with law & regulation and adherence to human rights and ILO standards. This needs to be embedded in the DNA and decision making processes of a company.
It starts with a public commitment to show a company respects the rules and regulations our governments set to, for example protect consumers or guarantee product-safety, and to respect International Labor Organizations' conventions and basic human rights. And decision making processes will be verified, including a company's supply chain.

Legal Compliance
Legal compliance is of considerable complexity due to the various product categories and globalized supply chains in this industry. We will always fully comply with the laws & regulations for EU and the countries in which we do business. Our business relations are required to do so likewise at all time.

Social compliance
The Code requires specific social standards to be met, based on international human rights norms and international labor laws that will protect and empower all personnel within a company’s scope of control and influence.

  • The use of child labor is absolutely unacceptable. Workers must not be younger than the legal minimum age for working in any specific country and not less than 14 years, whichever is greater;
  • We will not tolerate forced labor or labor, which involves physical or mental abuse or any form of mental or corporal punishment;
  • Manufacturers must ensure that all manufacturing processes are carried out under conditions, which have proper and adequate regard for the health and safety of those involved;
  • We recognize and respect the freedom of employees to choose whether to associate with any group of their own choosing. If local laws prevent that, manufacturers have to allow employees to freely elect their own representative;
  • Under no circumstances will the exploitation of any vulnerable individual or group be tolerated;
  • Working hours shall comply with applicable laws and industry standards and overtime shall not be exceed ILO standards;
  • Wages and benefits must be fully comparable with local norms, must comply with local laws and must conform with the general principles of fair and honest dealing.

 
We require companies to do business with likeminded partners that have a natural respect for our ethical standards in the context of their own culture. These relationships are based on the principles of fair and honest business at all times and in all ways. We encourage companies to extend the same principles of fair and honest business with whom they do business, including employees, sub-contractors and other third parties.

From commitment to monitoring and auditing
The program has a three-level approach in which companies can start and develop towards full compliance with the standards our industry sets. The first level is a company’s intent and commitment to make the Code part of its DNA and does not require verification. Each next level drives responsible business activities throughout the company, requires to meet certain criteria and is externally verified. In its structure the Code allows companies to make yearly steps. Even within one level a company is encouraged to grow to the next level. Especially the principle of social responsible behavior requires careful thinking and planning as the Code requires our industry to work backwards in the supply chain. It can take up to several years to reach the end goal. You can find more information about the three different levels here.

5 years from now the promotional products industry will look like this:

  • A substantial number of companies subscribed to the Code of conduct and have been verified to comply;
  • The Code is a known and trusted standard for end customers due to the persuasive campaigns;
  • End customers acknowledge power of promotional products and its share in the advertising budget increased by 5%;
  • EPPA is a trusted body for EU parliament to consult;
  • The Code of conduct 2.0 is released, incorporating environment and waste.