IPPAG Secretariat IPPAG Australia IPPAG Austria IPPAG Belgium IPPAG Chile IPPAG Denmark IPPAG Finland IPPAG France IPPAG Germany IPPAG Great Britian IPPAG Greece IPPAG Iceland IPPAG Italy IPPAG Mauritius IPPAG Mexico IPPAG Netherlands IPPAG New Zealand IPPAG Poland IPPAG Portugal IPPAG Singapore IPPAG South Africa IPPAG Spain IPPAG Switzerland IPPAG USA  

Code of Conduct

1. Respect of Original Ideas and New Product Designs

We believe that ownership of original ideas, and new product designs, should be respected. Mutual confidence is required to build a strong and trusting relationship between Ippag and its suppliers and customers, thus allowing a free exchange of ideas. Ippag respects original ideas and new product designs, and does everything possible to protect them from copying. Back to top of page

2. Terms and Conditions

We believe that the terms and conditions of business agreements made with Ippag as a group, or with individual members, should be strictly observed. We similarly expect Ippag Suppliers to conform to the same standards. Non fulfilment of contractual terms is damaging to all parties concerned. Any disputes should be resolved quickly and professionally. Back to top of page

3. Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-discrimination:

We believe that all terms and conditions of employment should be based on an individual’s ability to do the job and not on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs. We provide employees with a working environment free of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or coercion relating directly or indirectly to race, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion or disability. We do not interfere with individual rights to observe tenets or practices, e.g. religious beliefs. Back to top of page

4. Forced Labour:

We do not use any prison, slave, indentured, or forced labour in the manufacture of any of our products. This means also that personnel shall not have to lodge “deposits” or identity papers with the company upon commencing employment. Back to top of page

5. Child Labour:

We do not utilise child labour in the production of any product. We do not employ any person under the age of 16 years (or where local law is set at 14 years, the lower age will apply), or the age, at which compulsory schooling has ended, whichever is greater. Back to top of page

6. Hours of Labour:

We maintain reasonable employee work hours based on the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by local law, or where local law does not limit the hours of work, the regular work week. Overtime, when necessary, is fully compensated according to local law, or at a rate at least equal to the regular hourly compensation rate if there is no legally prescribed premium rate. Employees are permitted reasonable days off (at least one day off in every seven-day period) and leave privileges. Back to top of page

7. Coercion and Harassment:

We acknowledge the value of our staff and treat each employee with dignity and respect. We do not use cruel and unusual disciplinary practices such as threats of violence or other forms of physical punishment, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. Back to top of page

8. Compensation:

We fairly compensate our employees by complying with all applicable laws, including minimum wage laws, or the prevailing local industry wage, whichever is higher and shall always be sufficient to meet basic needs of personnel and to provide some discretionary income. Back to top of page

9. Health & Safety:

We maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We provide adequate medical facilities, clean restrooms, reasonable access to portable water, well-lit and ventilated workstations and protection from hazardous materials or conditions. All facilities are provided with a maximum protection and safety measures, which do include fire protection, emergency exits and access to first aid supplies. The laws on health & safety in each country are strictly respected and met, if not exceeded. The same standard of heath and safety are applied in any housing we provide to our employees. Back to top of page

8. Freedom of Association:

We respect the right of all personnel to form and join trade unions of their choice and bargain collectively. Where the right of freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted under law, we facilitate parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining for all such personnel. We ensure that representatives of such personnel are not the subjects of discrimination. Back to top of page