Buyer COC |

The Buyer Code of Conduct (COC) is a comprehensive set of principles and guidelines that governs the ethical, responsible, and lawful behavior expected of buyers and procurement professionals within an organization. It ensures that all purchasing activities are conducted with integrity, transparency, and in alignment with corporate values and international standards.

Key Components:

1. Ethical Procurement Practices:

• Buyers must act with honesty, integrity, and fairness in all interactions with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Personal interests must never influence procurement decisions.
• Conflicts of interest must be declared and avoided at all times.

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

• Buyers must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws, including those related to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, fair competition, and trade controls.
• Bribes, kickbacks, or any form of improper payment or advantage are strictly prohibited.

1. Fair Treatment of Suppliers:

• All suppliers should be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Procurement decisions must be based on objective criteria such as quality, cost, delivery, and service.
• Discrimination or favoritism in the supplier selection process is not permitted.

1. Sustainable and Responsible Sourcing:

• Buyers should promote environmentally responsible sourcing and consider the sustainability impacts of products and services.
• Preference should be given to suppliers who demonstrate responsible practices related to environmental impact, labor rights, and social responsibility.

1. Labor and Human Rights:

• Buyers must ensure that suppliers uphold international labor standards, including the prohibition of child labor, forced labor, and discrimination.
• Health and safety in the workplace must be prioritized.

1. Confidentiality and Data Protection:

• Confidential information received from suppliers or during the procurement process must be protected and not disclosed to unauthorized parties.
• All data handling must comply with relevant data protection and privacy regulations.

1. Continuous Improvement and Accountability:

• Buyers are expected to continually improve their knowledge and practices related to ethical procurement.
• Violations of the Code of Conduct must be reported, and appropriate disciplinary action should be taken when necessary.

Purpose and Importance:

The Buyer COC is designed to:

• Promote integrity and trust in the procurement process.
• Protect the organization from legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Foster long-term, respectful partnerships with suppliers.
• Support global sustainability and ethical business practices.