Omnicom Holding Germany GmbH and its subsidiaries set out below their requirements and principles for collaboration with suppliers and business partners, particularly regarding the adherence to ethical and moral standards, applicable law, and integrity. They expect their suppliers and business partners to comply with and implement the principles listed.
Human Rights
Omnicom Holding Germany GmbH and its subsidiaries are committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights adopted in 2011, as well as environmental protection. They view sustainable and responsible conduct as a key foundation for collaboration with suppliers and business partners.
Our suppliers and business partners commit to the following:
- Respect worldwide regulations and standards (including those of the International Labour Organization – ILO) for the protection of human rights; in particular, they must not use forced or child labor and reject any intentional use of forced or child labor, as well as any form of modern slavery or human trafficking.
- Employ staff in compliance with local laws, particularly regarding equality and non-discrimination, and prohibit bullying, exclusion, or sexual harassment.
- Foster an inclusive corporate culture that ensures inclusion, diversity, and respectful interaction.
- Comply with applicable regulations on working hours and minimum wages.
- Recognize the fundamental right to form and join trade unions and employee representative bodies.
- Comply with applicable legal requirements for occupational safety and health, as well as product safety.
Environmental Protection
Our suppliers and business partners contribute to the protection of people and the environment within their work environment and responsibilities. All relevant laws and regulations, as well as environmental protection requirements, must be observed. Suppliers and business partners are encouraged to conduct their business in collaboration with us with an awareness of conserving natural resources and using energy efficiently. Our commitment is outlined in our Energy and Environmental Policy.
Transparent Business Practices
We do not tolerate any form of corruption or bribery.
- Compensation to consulting or intermediary partners must not be intended to provide partners, customers, or other third parties with undue advantages.
- Invitations, gifts, or other benefits of any kind may only be accepted or granted if they are reasonable and not offered or received in expectation of improper consideration or preferential treatment.
- Our business partners make decisions based on objective criteria and are not influenced by personal interests or relationships.
- Commissions, fees, or other benefits exceeding minor value provided to our business partners in the course of their work for us must be disclosed without delay.
Fair Market Conduct
Our suppliers and business partners comply with all relevant competition law requirements and avoid actions that unlawfully restrict or may restrict competition. In particular, they do not engage in agreements or arrangements affecting prices, terms, strategies, or relationships with clients, especially participation in tenders.
All applicable laws on the import and export of goods, services, and information, as well as applicable embargoes and sanctions, are observed.
Protection of Trade Secrets and Data/Information Security
Our suppliers and business partners maintain the confidentiality of trade and business secrets entrusted to them by us or our clients, even beyond contractual relationships.
They comply with all applicable laws protecting personal data, particularly of employees, business partners, and customers.
They maintain control over our sensitive content at all times and will encrypt sensitive information during transfer and at rest, and limit access rights to the minimum necessary to quickly detect potential data leaks.
Intellectual Property
Our suppliers and business partners respect the know-how, patents, and copyrights of us and third parties. They neither use nor share such information with third parties without our prior explicit written consent.
Accounting and Record-Keeping
We expect honest and accurate accounting and record-keeping from our suppliers and business partners to enable responsible business decisions.
Implementation and Enforcement / Consequences of Violations
Our suppliers and business partners appropriately communicate this Code of Conduct to their employees, as well as their own suppliers and business partners, and ensure compliance. If non-compliance is identified, business partners are obligated to implement appropriate remedial measures. Should our suppliers or business partners fail to adhere to the principles set forth in this Code of Conduct, we reserve the right to terminate business relationships with extraordinary notice.
Complaint Management / Follow-Up Measures
We have established a complaint management system that allows our suppliers and business partners, including the entire supply chain and other external parties, to report all types of complaints, including potentially illegal actions or indications of crimes committed in the course of their activities, via the existing whistleblower system. Our business partners do not tolerate disadvantages for individuals who report violations of the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct.Details on submitting reports and their subsequent handling are provided in our Whistleblower Policy.
If we receive substantiated complaints, affected suppliers and business partners agree to jointly develop a time-bound action plan with us that must lead to resolution of the complaint.
If these planned measures do not achieve the intended outcome within the specified timeframe, we reserve the right to terminate business relationships with extraordinary notice.
If we identify an immediate risk regarding any principle with suppliers or business partners, they will promptly take measures to mitigate it and keep us informed of the progress.
We reserve the right to audit suppliers and business partners annually regarding their supply chain management, either directly or through appointed third parties. Suppliers and business partners can be exempted from this by providing evidence of appropriate certified management systems.