I. Scope
P&R Gerätetechnik GmbH (P&R) sees itself as part of a globally interconnected economy and, as a company based in Schwedt/Oder, as part of civil society. P&R adheres to national and international laws and operates under the fundamental principles of an honorable merchant, acknowledging its economic, ecological, and social responsibilities.
P&R observes the direct and indirect impacts of its business activities on the environment and society and strives to balance economic, ecological, and social concerns appropriately. The company acts in accordance with generally recognized values and principles, complies with legal regulations, and specifically respects internationally recognized human rights and labor standards. P&R is committed to the objectives and principles of this Code of Conduct and will make all reasonable efforts, within its legal and practical capabilities, to uphold these voluntary commitments at its corporate location.
If existing national regulations conflict with the contents of this Code of Conduct or if the domestic context makes full compliance impossible, P&R will seek ways to uphold its requirements as much as possible.
This Code of Conduct for business partners is an essential component of business relationships with P&R. It applies to all business partners, including suppliers, service providers, and customers. To simplify wording, the term “business partners” will be used in the following sections. P&R expects its business partners to implement the requirements of this Code of Conduct within their own supply chains.
II. Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility
Moral Commitment and Integrity
P&R pursues only legal business objectives and practices, maintaining relationships exclusively with reputable partners. It treats business partners fairly and respectfully, recognizing diverse legal, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds in the regions where it operates. The company abides by the laws and regulations of each country in which it conducts business, aligning its operations with universally accepted ethical values and principles, including integrity and human dignity. P&R supports a free and fair global trade environment.
Corruption, Trade Controls, and Anti-Money Laundering
P&R rejects all forms of bribery and corruption, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety—whether in offering or accepting improper advantages. The company complies with applicable regulations regarding import and export controls and adheres to legal requirements for money laundering and anti-terrorism financing prevention.
Fair Competition
P&R advocates for free and fair competition and does not tolerate anti-competitive agreements. It ensures compliance with applicable antitrust laws and rejects competitive advantages gained through unfair business practices.
Data Protection, Confidentiality, and Intellectual Property
P&R respects the personal rights of its employees, business partners, and customers. It handles personal data in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements for data processing and information security. The company protects business secrets and confidential information from unauthorized acquisition, use, and disclosure, at least in accordance with applicable trade secret protection laws. P&R also respects intellectual property rights when exchanging knowledge and technologies, ensuring adequate protective measures.
Environmental Responsibility
P&R recognizes that protecting and preserving natural resources is a collective responsibility. The company conducts its business with environmental consciousness and commits to a climate-neutral future.
Environmental and Climate Protection
P&R adheres to environmental and climate protection regulations and applies recognized industry standards. With its ISO 14001 environmental management system, the company continuously reduces the environmental impact of its activities. P&R implements measures aligned with legal and internationally recognized standards, including:
• Safe handling and disposal of hazardous substances, chemicals, and waste
• Reduction or prevention of waste and emissions
• Conservation of natural resources through water, chemical, and raw material savings
• Promotion of circular economy principles
• Use of climate- and eco-friendly technologies
• Increased energy efficiency and renewable energy usage at company sites
Wildlife and Species Protection
P&R follows biodiversity protection principles, using the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a guideline.
III. Human Rights and Labor Standards
Human Dignity and Rights
P&R respects internationally recognized human rights as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. The company strives to prevent any contribution to human rights violations and expects the same from its business partners. Where necessary and feasible, P&R supports suppliers in achieving compliance.
Employment Conditions
P&R treats its employees with respect and fairness, rejecting all forms of unlawful punishment, abuse, harassment, intimidation, or degrading treatment. The company complies with national labor laws and expects its contractual partners to do the same. Employees must receive clear and understandable employment terms upon hiring, covering rights, obligations, working hours, wages, and payment procedures. Employees have the right to terminate employmentwithin the legally required notice periods.
Prohibition of Child Labor
P&R does not tolerate child labor and enforces minimum legal working age requirements. The company does not employ individuals under the age at which compulsory education ends, and in no case under 15 years old. Internships and apprenticeships comply with applicable legal regulations. P&R expects business partners to implement age verification procedures to prevent child labor. If child labor is identified, immediate measures must prioritize the well-being, protection, and development of the child.
Prohibition of Forced Labor
P&R strictly prohibits forced labor, including debt bondage, servitude, slavery, slave-like practices, and human trafficking. It does not engage in any involuntary labor or services that violate internationally recognized labor and social standards.
Fair Compensation Principles
P&R ensures that employees receive at least the industry-standard wage in compliance with legal requirements. Unauthorized wage deductions, including those as disciplinary measures, are not tolerated.
Working Hours
P&R adheres to legal and industry-specific working time regulations, including overtime limits, rest breaks, and paid leave. The company ensures compliance with maximum allowable weekly working hours and overtime policies.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination
P&R values diversity and promotes inclusive work environments. The company commits to equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, social background, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political views, religion, or beliefs. It follows the equal pay principle for male and female employees performing equal work.
Health and Workplace Safety
P&R complies with national and international occupational health and safety standards, providing a safe and health-promoting work environment to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses.
IV. Compliance and Implementation
This Code of Conduct for Business Partners is fundamental to P&R’s business relationships. Adherence to its principles is considered essential for collaboration. Business partners acknowledge these expectations and commit to compliance.
Partners must also ensure that their subcontractors and suppliers are aware of and adhere to these principles or maintain equivalent guidelines. To ensure compliance, P&R expects business partners to provide relevant information for risk assessment and to implement necessary preventive and corrective actions when requested.
P&R reserves the right to verify compliance with this Code of Conduct through regular audits, conducted by P&R personnel or third parties, no more than once per year unless a specific concern arises. Audits will be scheduled in advance during business hours, requiring access to relevant areas, documents, and records.
If violations occur, P&R may grant a minimum four-week remediation period, unless urgent risks to life, health, or safety require immediate action. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in contract termination.
Business partners are responsible for conducting training and internal processes to ensure compliance. They guarantee that their operations adhere to applicable laws and contractual agreements with P&R.
This Code of Conduct is governed by German law, with the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) explicitly excluded.