Hansa USA LLC
Code of Ethics

Introduction

Hansa USA LLC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of its operations. This Code of Ethics serves as a guide for all employees, vendors, and clients, ensuring mutual respect, transparency, and fairness. Compliance with this Code is mandatory, and failure to adhere to its principles may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

1. Core Principles

  • Integrity: Conduct all business activities honestly and ethically.
  • Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect.
  • Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
  • Transparency: Maintain clear and open communication in all professional interactions.
  • Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information belonging to the company, its employees, vendors, and clients.
  • Ethical Sourcing: Avoid engaging in transactions with any party subject to international sanctions, any terrorist organizations, or any party under ethics or other investigations.

2. Interactions with Employees

2.1 Workplace Conduct

  • Employees are expected to behave professionally, treating colleagues with respect and courtesy.
  • Discrimination or harassment of any kind, including based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, is strictly prohibited.
  • Any form of workplace violence or intimidation will not be tolerated.

2.2 Collaboration and Teamwork

  • Employees must support a culture of collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives and skills.
  • Constructive feedback should be given respectfully and with the intention of improvement.
  • Disagreements should be resolved amicably, with a focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions.

2.3 Confidentiality

  • Employees must protect company and colleague information, including personal data, trade secrets, and proprietary business strategies.
  • Sharing confidential information without proper authorization is prohibited.

2.4 Conflict of Interest

  • Employees should avoid situations where personal interests conflict with company interests.
  • Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to management promptly.

2.5 Prohibition on Bribery and Gratuities

  • Employees are strictly prohibited from offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting bribes or gratuities in any form.
  • Any gifts or entertainment offered or received must comply with company policy and be reported to management if exceeding nominal value.

2.6 Reporting Misconduct

  • Employees are encouraged to report unethical behavior or violations of this Code without fear of retaliation.
  • Reports can be made to supervisors, HR, or through the designated company hotline.

3. Interactions with Vendors

3.1 Fair Treatment

  • Vendors must be treated with fairness and professionalism, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
  • Decisions regarding vendors must be based on objective criteria, such as quality, reliability, and price.

3.2 Ethical Negotiations

  • Employees must negotiate with vendors in good faith, maintaining honesty and transparency.
  • Coercive practices, such as demanding undue discounts or favors, are prohibited.

3.3 Conflict of Interest

  • Employees must disclose any personal relationships or financial interests with vendors to avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Gifts, entertainment, or other incentives from vendors exceeding nominal value must be reported to management.

3.4 Ethical Sourcing

  • Vendors must not be engaged if they are subject to international sanctions, are affiliated with terrorist organizations, or are under ethics or other investigations.

3.5 Confidentiality

  • Vendor information, including pricing, proprietary methods, and trade secrets, must be protected and used only for legitimate business purposes.

4. Interactions with Clients

4.1 Client Focus

  • Employees must prioritize client needs, delivering high-quality products and services with professionalism and efficiency.
  • Communication with clients must be clear, truthful, and respectful.

4.2 Ethical Marketing and Sales

  • All promotional materials and sales presentations must be accurate and not misleading.
  • Employees must avoid making exaggerated claims or misrepresenting company capabilities.

4.3 Confidentiality

  • Client data, including personal and business information, must be safeguarded.
  • Sharing client information without proper consent is prohibited.

4.4 Resolving Client Complaints

  • Client concerns should be addressed promptly and effectively.
  • Employees are expected to listen actively, empathize with the client’s concerns, and provide timely solutions.

5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

  • Employees must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Violations of legal or regulatory requirements must be reported to management immediately.

6. Corporate Responsibility

6.1 Sustainability

  • Hansa USA LLC is committed to environmentally sustainable practices and encourages employees to adopt eco-friendly initiatives.

6.2 Social Responsibility

  • The company supports charitable initiatives and community involvement.
  • Employees are encouraged to participate in activities that promote social welfare.

7. Reporting Violations

  • Violations of this Code of Ethics must be reported to the appropriate department (e.g., HR or Compliance).
  • Reports can be submitted anonymously if desired.
  • Retaliation against employees who report violations in good faith is strictly prohibited.

8. Enforcement

  • Violations of this Code will be investigated thoroughly and impartially.
  • Disciplinary actions, including termination, may result from breaches of this Code.

Acknowledgment

Employees, vendors, and clients are required to acknowledge their understanding and compliance with this Code of Ethics.

Signed copies are retained by the Hansa USA HR department.

Hansa USA LLC, January 2000