Code of Conduct
Komtur Pharmaceuticals (“Komtur”) aspires to create and maintain a corporate culture in which the compliance with all applicable laws and standards, as well as with the company's own ethical principles, is guaranteed to the greatest extent possible. Komtur has therefore created a Code of Conduct („Code of Ethics“) as a voluntary commitment to define the standards and guidelines for Komtur’s business activities.
The Code of Ethics has two main objectives: On the one hand, employees should be informed of the general standards of behavior that serve as a guideline for dealing with colleagues, business partners and customers. On the other hand, the Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a building block for a comprehensive understanding of Komtur’s corporate culture in regards to integrity and ethical behavior. The Code of Ethics lays down the following principles.
Komtur undertakes to comply with the laws of each and any applicable jurisdiction in which it does business, e.g. with any applicable national and international laws, directives, regulations or admin-istrative requirements. In particular, Komtur operates in full compliance with:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (UN),
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,
- The eight Fundamental Conventions of the ILO,
- The principles of the UN Global Compact,
- The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Komtur does not tolerate any breaches of laws or this Code of Ethics.
B. Competition, antitrust law and anti-money laundering
Komtur is required to participate in a genuinely competitive environment, that is, one not restricted by inadmissible and/or unfair business practices. Komtur only supports fair competition without any unlawful collusion and, in particular, undertakes to comply with any applicable antitrust laws. Ac-cording to the applicable antitrust laws Komtur is obliged to act independently and sell its prod-ucts/provide its services fairly and honestly on the basis of quality, price and service. Employees must refrain from illegal business practices. In particular, the employees have to comply with this section of this Code of Ethics.
The laundering of assets obtained by criminal means by the way of smuggling it into the legal fi-nancial and economic circuit while concealing the true origin and other money laundering activities are prohibited. Komtur undertakes to comply with all applicable anti-money-laundering laws.
Dealings and cooperation with public authorities
Komtur works with state authorities on the basis of existing legislation in a spirit of trust and transparency.
Conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest or even the appearance of conflicts of interest arising from personal relationships between employees and business partners and customers, or from secondary employment activities, must be avoided. In possible cases of conflict of interest, employees must confer with their superiors in regard to further action.
Gifts and benefits
The offering or accepting of gifts or other benefits, which could possibly influence a business decision, is strictly prohibited. Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits, for which there is no danger of influencing business decisions, is only permitted if this is done according to ethical business practices and violates no laws.
Environmental protection
As a company working in the pharmaceutical sector, Komtur is particularly concerned with protect-ing the environment and its resources, for both the present and future generations. Komtur and its employees are therefore continually evaluating and reducing the environmental impact of its activi-ties in order to save resources by managing the business in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Data protection
Komtur respects the rights of its employees and individuals outside the company (e.g. customers or business partners) in regards to their personal data. The handling of personal data therefore takes place solely in accordance with any applicable legal requirements and Komtur’s contractual obligations. Employees undertake to comply with the statutory and contractual standards of data protection with regard to the personal data entrusted to them and are responsible to only process such personal data to the extent necessary to carry out their work tasks. In case of questions or issues with regard to data protection, Komtur’s data protection officer can be contacted: datenschutz[@]komtur[.]com.
Handling of confidential information
Employees are required to treat all information regarding the company, its customers and its business partners and colleagues as strictly confidential. For these reasons, employees must store confidential documents in such a way so as to prevent their unauthorized access by third parties.
Prohibition of discrimination and harassment
The behavior of Komtur employees is marked by a high standard of personal responsibility and is in line with statutory provisions. A respectful and collaborative spirit is important, because only in this way can a trusting work environment be created, which is a prerequisite for the reaching of informed decisions.
The diversity that is reflected in the origins, cultures, languages and ideas of Komtur’s employees provides it with both business and personal opportunities. Komtur appreciates this diversity and is aware that much care is necessary in order to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts between employees.
For this reason, Komtur will not accept any form of discrimination or any manifestation of bullying or any form of harassment that is hostile, threatening, sexual, exploitative or coercive in any man-ner. Komtur undertakes to promote equality of opportunities and equal treatment of its employees irrespective of nationality, colour, racial, social or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, political opinion or sexual identity. Komtur stands strongly against any form of xenophobia or extremism.
Political activities
Komtur recognizes the rights to freedom of assembly and the creation of common interest groups and Komtur will not particularly treat or discriminate against employees who are members of organizations or unions (as protected inter alia under ILO Conventions No. 87 on Freedom of Associa-tion and Protection of the Rights to Organise and No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining).
Party-political activity inside the company, in particular the organization of political events on the company premises, is strictly prohibited. Employees are not permitted to hang posters, label walls or distribute leaflets or other publications on the company premises without Komtur’s express written permission. Legal regulations (German Employees Representation Act, BetrVG) also stipulate that employers and employees must refrain from all forms of party-political activity inside the company; matters of collective bargaining, social policy, environmental and economic concern relating directly to the company’s operation or its employees are not affected hereby.
Employees are free, of course, to engage in political activity privately, as long as they do not do so as a Komtur employee or representative.
Alcohol and drugs
The abuse of alcohol and drugs represents a serious threat to the safety, health and productivity of the company and its employees. The health and well-being of employees, as well as high safety standards, have the highest priority. This includes the responsibility for hazardous alcohol or drug use and the associated risks in the workplace.
The possession, consumption and procurement of drugs on company premises is therefore strictly prohibited. It is also prohibited for employees to carry out their work tasks on behalf of Komtur under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Employees under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants must leave the company premises.
Prohibition of child labor
Child labor and any exploitation of children and adolescents are not tolerated by Komtur. Komtur undertakes to comply with all applicable local laws regarding the minimum hiring age for employ-ees, in particular with ILO Conventions 138 on the Minimum Age and 182 on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
Prohibition of forced labor and disciplinary measures
As provided by the applicable law, forced labor, modern slavery, and/or trafficked labor, any form of discrimination and disciplinary measures are forbidden at Komtur. Komtur undertakes to ensure that any employees enter the employment relationship with Komtur of their own free will and have the choice to terminate employment of their own will. The use of physical punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse is forbidden.
Compensation
Employees at Komtur are compensated in accordance with the applicable legal provisions such as the German Working Hours Act, the Federal Vacation Act and the Continuation of Pay Act. No illegal or unauthorized deductions from wages or salary may be made as a punitive measure. Komtur ensures that employees are provided with clear, detailed and regular information on the composition of their wages. Likewise, it ensures that reasonable wages, paid accrued annual va-cation, holidays, leave and other time off is granted in accordance with applicable laws and that the compensation is paid in a manner convenient to the employees.
Working hours
Komtur ensures that the company rules on working hours meet the legal requirements (e.g. the Working Hours Act, Federal Vacation Act); rules are also in place regarding extra work and overtime. Implementation and compliance with the Code of Ethics Every employee is responsible for ensuring that the Code of Ethics is correctly implemented at all times within the company. In case of doubt about the content of the Code of Ethics or questions about whether a specific behavior meets the requirements of the Code of Ethics, every employee is called upon to turn to his or her superior and to other employees responsible for this task in a trusting manner.
Health & Safety
Komtur undertakes to ensure a clean, safe and healthy working environment for any employees, business partners and visitors at any of Komtur’s premises. Komtur takes any necessary measures required to prevent accidents and injury to health by reducing, so far as reasonably possible, any risks at the workplace. Komtur will comply with any applicable laws and Komtur’s high standards and policies for safety and emergency situations in order to ensure that safe and healthy working environment. In addition, workplace safety policies are in place and continuous training programs for all employees with regard to safety and health precautions are integrated by Komtur.
Implementation and compliance with the Code of Ethics
Every employee is responsible for ensuring that the Code of Ethics is correctly implemented at all times within the company. In case of doubt about the content of the Code of Ethics or questions about whether a specific behavior meets the requirements of the Code of Ethics, every employee is called upon to turn to his or her superior and to other employees responsible for this task in a trusting manner. Where local laws and regulations are less restrictive than this Code of Ethics, Komtur expects that its principles are adopted and followed by all of Komtur’s employees. In order to comply with the provisions according to this Code of Ethics, Komtur ensures that employee trainings will be carried out on a regularly basis.
Export control and sanctions
Komtur has implemented all required measures to ensure compliance with applicable export con-trol laws, including sanctions towards certain persons and territories.