Code of conduct (CoC)
Code of Conduct (CoC) of FEAS GmbH (PDF for download)
Preamble
FEAS GmbH sees itself as part of an internationally interconnected economy and, at its locations, as part of the states and societies in which it operates. The company follows the basic understanding of the "honorable merchant" and acknowledges its corporate responsibility. FEAS GmbH observes the direct and indirect effects of its business activities on the environment and society and strives for an appropriate balance between economic, ecological, and social interests.
FEAS GmbH acts and behaves in accordance with generally recognized values and principles, is legally compliant, and particularly respects internationally recognized human rights and working standards. The company stands for the goals and contents of this Code of Conduct and will make all appropriate and reasonable efforts, within legal and factual means, to comply with this voluntary commitment at all company locations, both domestically and abroad. If existing national regulations contradict the content of the Code of Conduct or the domestic context makes it impossible to fully comply, FEAS GmbH will seek ways to still fulfill the requirements of the Code of Conduct wherever possible.
Ethical and Moral Commitment and Integrity
FEAS GmbH pursues exclusively legal business goals and practices and only maintains business relationships with reputable partners. The company behaves fairly and respectfully towards business partners and customers, respects the rights and laws of the countries and regions in which business activities take place, and recognizes different legal, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds and special circumstances. FEAS GmbH always bases its business activities on universally valid ethical values and principles, including integrity and respect for human dignity.
Corruption, Trade Control, and Money Laundering
FEAS GmbH refuses any form of bribery and corruption and avoids even the appearance of such conduct, whether in the form of granting or accepting unfair advantages. The company acts in accordance with the applicable import and export control regulations and adheres to legal requirements for the prevention of money laundering.
Fair Competition
FEAS GmbH relies on free and fair world trade and advocates for free and fair competition. The company does not tolerate anti-competitive agreements and ensures compliance with applicable antitrust laws. FEAS GmbH rejects competitive advantages gained through unfair business practices.
Handling Personal Data, Protection of Confidential Information, and Intellectual Property
FEAS GmbH respects the personal rights of its employees, business partners, and customers and follows the applicable legal and regulatory requirements for the processing of personal data and information security. The company protects entrusted trade secrets and other confidential information of its business partners and customers against unauthorized acquisition, use, and disclosure, at least in accordance with the relevant legal provisions for the protection of trade secrets. FEAS GmbH respects the intellectual property of its business partners, customers, and third parties and ensures that sufficient precautions are taken to protect intellectual property rights when exchanging know-how and technologies.
Protecting Consumer Interests
Where products and services from FEAS GmbH affect the interests of consumers, appropriate measures are taken to ensure the safety and quality of the products or services. FEAS GmbH ensures that its products or services comply with the relevant legal requirements and consumer protection regulations. As part of information and sales measures, FEAS GmbH takes consumer interests into account by complying with legal requirements for fair business, marketing, and advertising practices and consumer education.
Ecological Responsibility and Commitment
The protection and preservation of the natural foundations of life affect and obligate us all. FEAS GmbH carries out its business activities in an ecologically responsible manner and is committed to the goal of a climate-neutral future. The company applies applicable law and takes appropriate measures that comply with legal and recognized standards to protect the environment and climate. FEAS GmbH works continuously to reduce the negative impact of its business activities on the environment and climate. This includes:
- Proper, professional, and responsible handling of dangerous substances, chemicals, and waste, including measures to reduce or avoid waste
- Minimizing emissions from operational processes (e.g., wastewater, exhaust air, noise, greenhouse gases)
- Conservation of natural resources, for example, by saving water, chemicals, and other raw materials and promoting the circular economy
- Use of climate- and environmentally friendly technologies, processes, raw materials, and products
- Measures to increase energy efficiency and the share of renewable energies in energy consumption at company locations
Animal and Species Protection
FEAS GmbH observes and adheres to the principles of protecting animals and biological diversity. The keeping and use of animals must comply with applicable regulations, meet legal animal welfare requirements, and be species-appropriate. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is the guideline here.
Human Rights and Labor Standards
Human dignity is inviolable. FEAS GmbH respects the internationally recognized human rights enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The company is based on the internationally recognized working standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO), as listed below in the Code of Conduct. In all business activities, FEAS GmbH strives not to cause or contribute to human rights violations and expects the same from its business partners. Where necessary and possible, FEAS GmbH supports its suppliers in this regard.
Employment Relationships
FEAS GmbH treats its employees with appreciation and rejects any form of unlawful punishment, abuse, harassment, intimidation, or other undignified treatment. The company applies the applicable labor law to all employment relationships and expects the same from its contractual partners. Employees are provided, at the start of the employment relationship, with understandable information about the essential working conditions, including their rights and obligations, working hours, remuneration, and payment and billing modalities. FEAS GmbH respects and protects the right of employees to terminate their employment relationship in compliance with the applicable notice period.
Rejecting Child Labor and Protecting Young Workers
FEAS GmbH does not tolerate child labor and observes the applicable legal minimum age for starting work. In any case, FEAS GmbH does not employ people under the age at which compulsory schooling ends in the place of employment, as well as under the age of 15. Internships are organized in accordance with legal regulations. FEAS GmbH expects its contractual partners to have appropriate options for age determination to prevent child labor. If child labor is discovered, all necessary measures must be taken immediately to ensure the welfare, protection, and development of the child. For people under 18 years of age, the rights of young workers must be observed; they may only be hired if it is ensured that the work and conditions of employment do not pose a threat to their health, safety, or morals, nor are they harmful to their development.
Rejecting Forced Labor
FEAS GmbH rejects forced or compulsory labor in any form. This also applies to any form of debt bondage, serfdom, slavery or slave-like practices, human trafficking, and extends to all forms of involuntary labor and services. These are not compatible with internationally recognized labor and social standards.
Principles of Remuneration
FEAS GmbH applies the statutory or, where applicable, collective agreement provisions for remuneration for work services. The company ensures that employees are paid at least the applicable statutory or, if applicable, collectively agreed or industry standard minimum wage. In countries or regions without a legal or collective wage framework, FEAS GmbH ensures that the wages paid are sufficient for regular full-time working hours to meet the basic needs of employees. Payroll deductions not permitted by law, including deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure, are not tolerated by FEAS GmbH.
Working Hours
FEAS GmbH applies the statutory or applicable collective bargaining regulations regarding working hours, including overtime, rest breaks, and vacation. The company ensures that the regular weekly working hours plus the maximum possible overtime are not exceeded and that working time regulations are adhered to.
Diversity and Inclusion, Ban on Discrimination
FEAS GmbH values the diversity of its employees and promotes a working environment that enables inclusion. The company is committed to equal opportunities and rejects any form of discrimination and unequal treatment based on national and ethnic origin, social origin, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political opinion, religion, or worldview. FEAS GmbH lives by the principle of equal pay for men and women for equivalent work.
Health and Safety at Work
FEAS GmbH observes national and international occupational health and safety standards and ensures a safe and health-promoting working environment (avoiding accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses) to ensure the safety and health of its employees and third parties.
Freedom of Association
FEAS GmbH respects the right of employees to freedom of association and freedom of assembly, as well as the right to collective bargaining, to the extent this is legally permissible and possible in the respective country of employment. If this is not permitted, FEAS GmbH will seek appropriate compromises for its employees.