Why is it important?
All our business partners are expected to follow our Code of Conduct. Our significant business partners commit to this either by signing our Business Partner Criteria document or by demonstrating having a comparable Code of Conduct.
What is it?
The Business Partner Criteria reflect the key principles of our Code of Conduct. It summarizes the ethical requirements that all our business partners must comply with, to support and uphold responsible business conduct throughout our value chain.
Key features
Our Business Partner Criteria includes the following areas:
- Taking environmental responsibility and climate action
Business partners must have an approved Environmental Management System or otherwise show commitment to continuous improvement of their environmental performance. - Complying with Atlas Copco Group Prohibited and Declarable lists
Business partners must comply with product legislation such as REACH, RoHS, and TSCA. For this purpose, substances of concern, including PFAS, are controlled through our Prohibited and Declarable lists. The lists are updated twice per year; business partners must check and verify their compliance.
Our Business Partner Criteria require direct material suppliers to commit to responsible sourcing of all minerals used in the components and products they sell to us. - Supporting and respecting human rights
- No modern slavery or forced labor
- No child labor
- Eliminating discrimination
- Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment
- Fair wages and decent working time
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
- Respecting intellectual property
- No corruption
- No anti-competitive behavior
- Complying with trade compliance obligations
- Data protection and privacy
It is the responsibility of our business partners to use the same principles to evaluate and select their subcontractors. If requested, business partners must inform Atlas Copco Group which subcontractors they use.
We screen and audit our business partners to ensure that they share our standards. Business partners must cooperate in any audit by Atlas Copco Group when requested in writing in advance.
What's in it for you?
By signing the Business Partner Criteria, you can continue to do business with Atlas Copco Group.
We undertake regular audits to verify compliance. We can also provide experience and know-how to suppliers who need support to comply with the minimum standards set forth in the Business Partner Criteria document.
Suppliers who fail to meet the criteria and who do not show a willingness to improve are rejected. Non-compliance can lead to termination of the partnership with Atlas Copco Group.
What you need to do
Your procurement contact will be in touch to confirm your compliance. However, it is important that you download and read the Business Partner Criteria and Code of Conduct and that it is an authorized person who signs the Business Partner Criteria.
The signature is valid for five years after which the Business Partner Criteria commitment must be renewed.
Remember that the Prohibited and Declarable Lists are updated twice a year and must be complied with.
Frequently asked questions
Atlas Copco Group may accept a company’s own Code of Conduct or equivalent, if it is aligned with our Code of Conduct. Please discuss this with your Atlas Copco Group procurement contact.
