Code of conduct

EPSI is committed to upholding internationally recognized human rights and social standards throughout the value chain. A shared appreciation of ethical values and sustainable practices is a cornerstone of the EPSI relationships.

The social and environmental standards and practices described herein are based on the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the International Bill of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

PRINCIPLE OF LEGALITY

EPSI respects the principle of strict legality in all activities, measures, contracts, and other practices and expects the same from its business partners.

EPSI is fully committed to the control of trade in strategic goods.

Management is committed to providing ongoing support and commitment and to providing sufficient resources to comply with the rules.

In addition, management communicates clearly and regularly with employees about EPSI commitment to promote a culture of compliance.

SOCIAL STANDARDS

Human rights
EPSI consistently respects and actively protects internationally recognized human rights.

Child labor
EPSI undertakes to employ only persons who have reached the minimum legal age for work set out by statutory provisions in the country of employment and not to tolerate any form of child labor.

Forced labor
EPSI rejects any form of forced labor, which includes but is not limited to human trafficking, torture, and slavery or compulsory labor of any kind.

Freedom of association
The fundamental right of employees to form and join trade unions of their own free choice are respected by our business partners. Membership in trade unions or employee representative bodies shall not constitute a reason for unjustified discrimination. The right to collective bargaining for the settlement of disputes pertaining to working conditions and the right to strike shall be granted within the framework of statutory provisions and in accordance with ILO Convention No. 98.

Equal opportunities and fair treatment
EPSI takes exception to discrimination of any kind, be it based on skin color, ethnic origin, gender, age, nationality, social background, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, human ideology, or politica! and trade union activity. The same applies to any form of harassment. Given comparable requirements and tasks, the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value shall apply irrespective of gender. ILO conventions are to be observed.

Fair working conditions
EPSI undertakes to enforce the right to fair labor conditions in accordance with applicable ILO conventions. This includes fair wages and social benefits equal to or higher than the rates prescribed by national or regional authorities, legal standards, or other labor agreements.

Occupational health and safety
EPSI complies with national workplace safety and hygiene standards, and take appropriate measures to meet occupational health and safety requirements so as to ensure healthy working conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

Environmental protection
In keeping with the precautionary principle, EPSI undertakes to make every effort to minimize risks to people and the environment and to protect the natural resources.

Climate action
EPSI is working on increasing energy efficiency or procuring energy from renewable sources.

Water consumption and quality
EPSI uses water with due care.

Materials and waste disposal
EPSI minimizes any impact their operations may have on the environment and to use resources sparingly. Materials are to be reused whenever possible. In dealing with waste, EPSI follows the principle of first avoiding waste, then recycling, and finally disposing of it as a last resort.

Substances of concern
ESPI observes the rules of material compliance - that is, the statutory substance prohibitions, restrictions, and declaration requirements, applicable standards.

BUSINESS RELATIONS

Avoiding conflicts of interest
All decisions made by EPSI are based on objective considerations and not guided by personal interests. A potential conflict of interest will lead to internal measures to remedy these conflicts.

Free competition
EPSI observes the rules of fair competition and complies with all applicable statutory regulations. EPSI also refrains from forming cartels or engaging in concerted practices deliberately or incidentally designed to bypass, restrict, or distort competition as defined by antitrust laws, or abuse a dominant market position.

Corruption
EPSI ensures that their employees, subcontractors, or representatives do not offer, promise, or grant advantages with the aim of obtaining a contract or other preferential treatment in the course of business.

Money Laundering
EPSI complies with laws to prevent money laundering and duly fulfill their reporting obligations.

Conflict minerals
EPSI desists from all activities that directly or indirectly contribute to the funding of armed groups and complies with the applicable statutory provisions in conflict raw materials.

Data privacy and data security
EPSI enforces the right to informational selfdetermination, the privacy of personal data, and the security of all business information and personal data in all business processes in compliance with statutory provisions and the applicable privacy and information security laws.

Customs and export control regulations
EPSI undertakes to comply with international customs and export control regulations, and proactively share foreign trade-related information in the interests of a secure supply chain.

WHISTLEBLOWER SYSTEM

All business partners, their employees, and affected parties are encouraged to report suspected cases and violations of this Code of Conduct. This shall serve to mitigate the consequences of such violations and prevent future misconduct of this nature. To this end, business partners are to set up whistleblower systems of their own or join an industry-wide system. EPSI may be notified by email or by phone (see below). Our business partners shall brief their employees on this whistleblowing option.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Remedial actions
Violations are to be ceased immediately, particularly breaches of human rights-related and environmental obligations. Actions taken shall be documented and reviewed for effectiveness.