Code of Conduct

Hertz & Selck GmbH & Co. sees itself as part of an internationally interconnected economy and, as a company at its locations, is part of the states and their societies. Hertz & Selck adheres to the fundamental principles of the "honorable merchant" and acknowledges its responsibility.

  • Hertz & Selck observes the direct and indirect impacts of its business activities on the environment and society and strives to bring economic, ecological and social concerns into a reasonable balance of interests.
  • Hertz & Selck acts in accordance with generally accepted values and principles, complies with the law and in particular respects internationally recognized human rights and labor standards, as set out below.
  • Hertz & Selck stands by the goals and content of the Code of Conduct and will, within the scope of its respective legal and factual possibilities, make all appropriate and reasonable efforts to continuously comply with the voluntary self-commitment at all its company locations.

Ethical/moral obligation and integrity

Hertz & Selck pursues exclusively legal business goals and practices and maintains business relationships only with reputable partners.

Hertz & Selck treats its business partners, customers, and employees fairly and with respect. Hertz & Selck respects the diverse legal, economic, social, and cultural backgrounds and the specific circumstances of the countries and regions in which it operates. In doing so, Hertz & Selck adheres to the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where it conducts business.

Hertz & Selck always bases its business activities on universally valid ethical values and principles, including integrity and respect for human dignity. Hertz & Selck is committed to free and fair competition.

Corruption, trade control, money laundering

Hertz & Selck rejects all forms of bribery and corruption. We avoid even the appearance of such activities – whether through the granting or acceptance of undue advantages. Hertz & Selck operates in accordance with applicable import and export control regulations and adheres to legal requirements for the prevention of money laundering.

Fair competition

Hertz & Selck is committed to free and fair competition. Hertz & Selck does not tolerate anti-competitive agreements and ensures that the company operates in accordance with applicable antitrust laws. Hertz & Selck rejects competitive advantages gained through unfair business practices.

Handling of personal data, protection of confidential information and intellectual property

Hertz & Selck respects the privacy rights of its employees and business partners and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements for the processing of personal data and information security when handling personal information. Hertz & Selck protects entrusted trade secrets and other confidential information of its business partners from unauthorized acquisition, use, and disclosure, at least in accordance with the relevant legal provisions for the protection of trade secrets. Hertz & Selck respects the intellectual property of its business partners and other third parties and ensures that sufficient precautions are taken to protect intellectual property rights when exchanging know-how and technologies.

Protecting consumer interests

Insofar as Hertz & Selck's products and services affect consumer interests, appropriate measures are taken to ensure the safety and quality of the products and services. Hertz & Selck ensures that the products and services comply with all applicable statutory consumer protection regulations.

Ecological responsibility and commitment

Protecting and preserving our natural resources is a concern and obligation for us all. With this in mind, Hertz & Selck conducts its business in an environmentally responsible manner and is committed to the goal of a climate-neutral future.

Protection of the environment and climate

Hertz & Selck takes its environmental responsibility seriously by applying applicable regulations and recognized standards for environmental and climate protection. Hertz & Selck is working to continuously reduce its negative environmental and climate impacts. Hertz & Selck complies with applicable law and takes appropriate measures based on legal and internationally recognized standards, covering, among other things, the following topics:

  • Proper and responsible handling of hazardous substances, chemicals and waste, including their disposal;
  • Measures to reduce or avoid waste;
  • Minimizing emissions from operational processes (e.g. wastewater, exhaust air, noise, light, odor, greenhouse gases);
  • Conservation of natural resources, for example through measures to save water, chemicals and other raw materials and promotion of the circular economy;
  • Use of climate-friendly and environmentally friendly technologies, processes, raw materials and products;
  • Measures to increase energy efficiency and the share of renewable energies in energy consumption at company locations.

Animal and species protection

Hertz & Selck adheres to the principles of animal welfare and biodiversity conservation and aligns its business practices accordingly. The keeping and use of animals must comply with applicable legal animal welfare requirements and be species-appropriate. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) serves as a guideline in this regard.

Human rights and labor standards

Human dignity is inviolable. Therefore, Hertz & Selck respects internationally recognized human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hertz & Selck adheres to the internationally recognized labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), as outlined below in the Code of Conduct. In all its business activities, Hertz & Selck strives to neither cause nor contribute to human rights violations. Hertz & Selck expects the same from its business partners. Where necessary and possible, Hertz & Selck supports its suppliers in this endeavor.

Employment relationships

Hertz & Selck treats its employees with respect. Hertz & Selck rejects any form of unlawful punishment, abuse, harassment, intimidation, or other undignified treatment of employees. Hertz & Selck applies applicable labor law to all employment relationships and expects the same from its business partners. Employees must be provided with clear and understandable information about essential terms of employment, including their rights and obligations, working hours, compensation, and payment and accounting procedures, upon commencement of their employment. Hertz & Selck respects and protects the right of its employees to terminate their employment relationship by observing the applicable notice period.

Rejection of child labor and protection of young workers

Hertz & Selck does not tolerate child labor and adheres to the applicable legal minimum age for employment. In any case, Hertz & Selck does not employ anyone under the age at which compulsory schooling ends according to the law of the place of employment, nor under the age of 15. Internships are organized in accordance with legal regulations. Hertz & Selck expects its contractors to have adequate means of age verification in order to prevent child labor. Should child labor be detected, all necessary measures must be taken immediately, prioritizing the child's well-being, protection, and development. For individuals under the age of 18, the rights of young workers must be respected; they may only be employed if it is ensured that their working and employment conditions do not pose a risk to their health or safety, nor are they detrimental to their development.

Rejection of forced labor

Hertz & Selck rejects forced or compulsory labor in any form. This also applies to any form of debt bondage, serfdom, slavery or slave-like practices, human trafficking, and extends to all forms of involuntary work and services that are incompatible with internationally recognized labor and social standards. Regarding remuneration, Hertz & Selck applies the statutory or, where applicable, collective bargaining agreement provisions when compensating for work performed. Hertz & Selck ensures that the applicable statutory, collectively agreed, or industry-standard minimum wage is not undercut when paying employees. Hertz & Selck does not tolerate legally unauthorized wage deductions, including deductions as a disciplinary measure.

Working hours

Hertz & Selck applies the statutory or applicable collective bargaining provisions regarding working hours, including overtime, rest breaks, and vacation. Hertz & Selck ensures that

  • The regular weekly working hours plus the maximum possible overtime are not exceeded.,
  • Working time regulations must be observed.

Freedom of association

Hertz & Selck respects the employees' right to freedom of association and assembly, as well as the right to collective bargaining and tariff negotiations.

Diversity and inclusion, prohibition of discrimination

Hertz & Selck values the diversity of its employees and fosters a work environment that enables inclusion. Therefore, Hertz & Selck is committed to equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination and unequal treatment based on national or ethnic origin, social background, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political opinion, religion, worldview, or family circumstances. Hertz & Selck practices the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender.

Health and safety at the workplace

Hertz & Selck adheres to national and international occupational health and safety standards. Hertz & Selck ensures a safe and healthy working environment (preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses) to protect the safety and health of its employees and third parties. Whistleblower System: If you are aware of violations of applicable law, this Code of Conduct, or Hertz & Selck's internal guidelines and regulations, please contact the designated representatives. Alternatively, you can use the Hertz & Selck GmbH & Co. whistleblower system. This system allows you to submit information, either by name or anonymously if you prefer. The whistleblower system is accessible via the Hertz & Selck GmbH & Co. intranet.

All information will be treated confidentially.