The aim of our Compliance Program is to anchor the value “integrity” and our Codes of Conduct into the awareness and everyday activities of all employees. In 2002, BASF became one of the first German companies to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). As of August 2007, the CCO reports directly to BASF’s Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors. Together with the local compliance officer, the CCO acts as a contact for all questions related to this topic. He is also responsible for managing and developing the Compliance Program Group-wide.
In fall 2007, BASF started an interactive, refresher e-learning program regarding the contents learned in our Compliance Program. All employees must refresh their knowledge every three years. This is in addition to the basic compliance training, compulsory for all employees. We also hold regular, systematic training programs regarding specific fields of law.
In the event of questions regarding correct ethical behavior, all our employees can also seek advice from their executives, the appropriate Legal department, or from the Compliance Officer.
In addition, questions can be raised via telephone hotlines that are available 24 hours a day. Employees can also call the hotline to anonymously report incidents they consider to be dubious or legally questionable. In most countries calls to such hotlines are handled by external law offices. The reports are passed on to BASF’s compliance hotline officers and then followed up internally.
Regular compliance audits by the Corporate Audit department further support the Compliance Program. In 2007, 137 of these audits were carried out throughout the BASF Group (2006: 120). These audits also examine compliance with antitrust regulations as well as with our principles for relations with business partners and representatives of government bodies.
COMPLIANCE IN BASF
Compliance refers to the adherence to laws and policies as well as to the voluntary codes of conduct in a business. It prevents malpractice within a business and furthermore ensures that business activities are in accordance with all social and ethical values. BASF’s Compliance Program outlines corporate and legal regulations as well as the relevant corporate policy. In addition to basic training, our employees regularly participate in systematic training programs regarding specific fields of law – in particular, antitrust legislation, embargo and trade control regulations. Participation in our compliance training programs is compulsory for all of our employees.
Dedicated to fighting corruption
A further goal of our Compliance Program is to avoid cases of corruption. Globally, we are committed to fighting against corruption. In India, in 2002, we initiated the “Million Minds Project” in cooperation with the Indian government and local, non-governmental organizations. One million people will be provided with information on the subject of anti-corruption. As a member of Transparency International, we support the organization’s fight against corruption on a global level. More information about Transparency International can be found at: www.transparency.org
