Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG: Code of conduct

Preamble

We, Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG, a family-run company from the German city of Bielefeld, are proud to export high-quality original replacement parts worldwide as well as our own brand PREXAparts. With our dedicated team of around 100 employees, we work hard every day to offer our customers the best products and services on the market.

Our Code of Conduct serves as a guide for our day-to-day activities and reflects our values and principles. It is intended to ensure that we act in a way which is lawful, ethical, responsible and respectful in all our business relationships and dealings. We believe that integrity and transparency form the basis of our long-term success and the trust of our customers, partners and employees.

Our core values include proximity to our customers, quality, innovation, flexibility, sustainability, a focus on our employees and responsibility. These values form the basis of what we do, and help us to achieve our goals and be a trustworthy partner for our stakeholders.

1. Compliance with laws and regulations
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG is committed to adhering to all applicable national and international laws and regulations. We exclusively pursue legal business objectives and practices, and only do business with serious partners.
We respect the principles of international human rights and endeavour to comply with them. We work hard to create a working environment based on respect, equal rights and cooperation. Our business activities are guided by universal ethical values and principles, including integrity and respect for human dignity. We respect the legal, economic, social and cultural customs of the countries and regions in which we are active, and support free and fair trade.

2. Corruption, trade controls and money laundering
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG rejects any form of bribery and corruption. We already avoid any suggestion of either – whether in the form of granting or accepting any unfair advantage.

We act in accordance with the applicable import and export control regulations, and abide by the legal requirements for the prevention of money laundering. A reporting system has been set up whereby cases of suspected bribery and corruption can be reported anonymously. www.brechmann.com/hinweisgeberschutz 

3. Fair competition
As an export company which carries out most of its business internationally, Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG is committed to adhering to all applicable laws and regulations. We strictly reject any kind of unfair business practices, and always act in compliance with the principles of free and fair competition.
Our company respects the rights of our employees and customers worldwide, and strives to make sure that all market participants have the same opportunities. We avoid all forms of anti-competitive behaviour, including misleading advertising and unfair business practices.

4. Handling personal data, protecting confidential information and intellectual property
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG is committed to handling personal information responsibly. We adhere to all applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and make sure that personal data is handled securely and confidentially. An external data protection officer has been appointed, to whom any data breaches can be reported anonymously via dsb(at)brechmann.com.

We protect confidential information and trade secrets belonging to our customers, partners and employees. All employees are obliged to only use this information where necessary for their job, and must protect it against unauthorised access.

We recognise the importance of protecting intellectual property, and are committed to protecting our brand PREXAparts. We register our brand in the relevant markets and monitor compliance. We take appropriate legal action in the event of any breaches of our trademark rights.

5. Export checks and import duties
As an authorised economic operator (AEO-F), Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG is committed to adhering to all relevant export checks and import regulations. Our processes ensure that all exports and imports comply with legal requirements and the security of our supply chains is ensured. We work closely together with customs authorities to ensure that our international operations run smoothly and to enhance the trust placed in us by our business partners. Our commitment to complying with these requirements doesn’t just increase the security and efficiency of our supply chain but also helps promote international trade.

We are also committed to strictly adhering to embargoes and sanctions imposed by national and international authorities. Our employees are given training in the latest embargo regulations, and make sure that no prohibited items or services are exported or imported. We continuously monitor developments in international trade policy, and adapt our processes accordingly in order to ensure compliance with these requirements.

6. Environmental responsibility and commitment
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG is conscious of its responsibility towards the environment, and is committed to acting sustainably. Our ISO 14001 certification underlines our commitment to protecting the environment and continuously improving our environmental performance.

We minimise the environmental impact of our business activities through using resources efficiently, avoiding waste and reducing emissions. Our environmental management systems ensure environmentally-friendly practices in all our business processes.

We promote environmental awareness among our employees and partners, and continuously work towards achieving our environmental objectives.

7. Human rights and labour standards
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co.KG is committed to adhering to and promoting international human rights and labour standards. We respect the rights and dignity of all those who we come into contact with and advocate for fair and secure working conditions.

We oppose any form of forced labour or child labour. Our company does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on gender, age, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic. We promote fair working conditions, for example by paying reasonable wages and ensuring a secure working environment.

Our commitment to maintaining human rights and labour standards is reflected in our business practices and our relationships with our partners. We expect those who we do business with to maintain those same high standards themselves.

8. Employment relationships
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG treats its employees with respect, and is opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or degrading treatment. We comply with applicable employment laws and expect our contractual partners to do the same. In the administrative sector, we offer our employees flexible working hours and the option of working from home to enable them a better work-life balance. Regular employee questionnaires help us to continuously improve our working environment. Employees are given information about their working conditions in a form which is easy to understand, and have the right to terminate their working relationship subject to the applicable notice period.

9. Opposition to child labour and protection given to young employees
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG does not tolerate child labour of any kind and adheres to the legal minimum working age. We expect our contractual partners to take appropriate measures to prevent child labour. In the case of employees under the age of 18, we make sure that the working conditions do not pose a risk to their health, security and development.

10. Opposition to forced labour
Brechmann Handels GmbH & KG rejects any form of forced or compulsory labour. We make sure that all work is done and all services provided voluntarily in compliance with international labour and social standards.

11. Basis of remuneration
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG applies the statutory provisions regarding remuneration and makes sure that employees are not paid less than the minimum wage. Deductions from wages which are not permitted by law, including deductions made as a disciplinary measure, are not accepted.

12. Working hours
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG applies the statutory provisions relating to working hours, including overtime, breaks and annual leave. We ensure that working time arrangements are adhered to, and that the maximum number of working hours per week is not exceeded even in the event of overtime. We have implemented a time recording system which ensures that working hours are documented in a legally secure manner and that laws relating to working hours are observed. Our employees are entitled to 30 days’ paid holiday each year.

13. Diversity and inclusion, prohibition of discrimination
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG appreciates the diversity of its employees and promotes an inclusive working environment. We are committed to equality of opportunity, and reject any form of discrimination based on origin, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political opinion, religion or ideology. We embody the principle that employees should receive equal pay for work of equal value.

14. Health and safety in the workplace
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG adheres to national occupational health and safety standards. We provide a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related illnesses and to ensure the health and safety of our employees as well as third parties. The regular meetings held by our health and safety committee strengthen these efforts.

We communicate these guidelines to employees via:

Staff meetings: Regular meetings where health and safety guidelines are presented and discussed.
Risk assessments: We carry out regular risk assessments to identify and minimise potential risks within the workplace. These assessments help us to ensure a safe and healthy working environment and prevent accidents, injuries and work-related illnesses.
Company doctor: Our company doctor is available to employees for regular health checks and advice. These checks help promote the health and well-being of our employees and recognise and minimise work-related health risks at an early stage.
Training: Special training sessions to ensure that all employees understand and can apply the guidelines.
Posters and notices: Visible notices in offices and communal areas within logistics spaces highlighting the most important points of the guidelines.

Ergonomic workplaces and health-promoting measures such as e.g. sports courses contribute to a safe and healthy working environment.

15. Adherence to the Code of Conduct
Brechmann Handels GmbH & Co. KG is committed to strictly adhering to this Code of Conduct. All employees are required to observe and implement the guidelines and standards defined therein in their day-to-day working environment. Our commitment to ethical behaviour and social responsibility forms a key part of our corporate culture.

We expect our business partners and suppliers to also maintain those same high standards. This includes compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, respect for human rights, fair working conditions and protecting the environment. Our suppliers are obliged to provide all relevant information and documentation required to monitor their adherence to our standards. We promote open communication and cooperation with our suppliers in order to support continuous improvements and innovations.

In the event of breaches of the Code of Conduct, suitable measures are taken to ensure compliance and to continuously improve on our performance. We only work with suppliers who share our values and who are committed to ethical and responsible conduct. This cooperative partnership is key for the success and sustainability of our business relationships.