Ethical Code

Introduction

Artengine S.r.l, an Italian enterprise with a global presence, specializes in providing Quality Inspection, Expediting, and conformity assessment services within the different industries. This Code of Ethics, henceforth referred to as the “Code,” has been formulated to underscore the ethical and social values of the company and its obligations to its stakeholders. Artengine S.r.l is committed to familiarizing stakeholders with the Code and welcomes their constructive input towards its principles and content. The company pledges to consider stakeholders’ suggestions and feedback to enhance the implementation and dissemination of the Code. Regular assessments are conducted by Artengine S.r.l to ensure adherence to the Code and transparency in all corporate dealings, with corrective actions taken as necessary. The adoption of the Code by no means absolves the Board of Directors of its responsibility to oversee the company’s activities in line with the principles outlined in this Code.

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

The Code delineates a framework of ethical principles and values that Artengine S.r.l aims to uphold, establishing the boundaries of the company’s ethical and social responsibilities. It seeks to prevent irresponsible and unlawful behavior among all individuals acting on behalf of Artengine S.r.l.

Artengine S.r.l, through the adoption and dissemination of the Code, extends its directives to all corporate stakeholders, including board members, officers, auditors, staff (comprising managers, employees, laborers, temporary/agency personnel), and external parties engaging with the company (such as consultants, suppliers, service providers), collectively referred to as “Stakeholders.” They are obligated to strictly adhere to the principles outlined within the Code.

Under no circumstances does the pursuit of Company interests or perceived advantages justify unethical conduct or behavior contrary to the Code’s principles. Adherence to the ethical standards outlined herein is deemed essential for establishing and maintaining business relationships with Artengine S.r.l.

APPROVAL, DISTRIBUTION, AND REVISION

The Code undergoes approval by the Board of Directors, which retains the authority to modify, supplement, and revise it, with due notification provided to Stakeholders. A copy of the Code is prominently displayed on the Company notice board and accessible for review by all employees. Furthermore, third parties are informed of the Code’s provisions not only through contractual reminders but also by its complete publication on www.artenginesrl.com. Moreover, Artengine S.r.l has implemented an effective training and awareness program focused on the behavioral standards outlined in the Code.

CORE PRINCIPLES

Artengine S.r.l holds the fundamental principles of respecting human rights, fostering the physical, cultural, and moral development of individuals, and ensuring non-discrimination in employment based on factors such as sex, race, language, religion, political opinion, trade union membership, and social status.

The company actively strives to achieve these ethical objectives by enforcing strict adherence to the following principles:

Compliance with Laws

All stakeholders commit to obeying all relevant rules, laws, regulations, and best practices, whether national or international, that apply to the company’s operations.

Transparency and Fairness

Every transaction and business activity conducted by stakeholders must prioritize transparency, fairness, and honest negotiation. Stakeholders are obligated to maintain maximum traceability for their actions.

Rejection of Corruption

In alignment with globally accepted conduct standards (such as the OECD Convention, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the UK’s Bribery Act), the company pledges to combat corruption in all forms. Artengine S.r.l vows not to offer or promise money or any other inducements for unfair advantages. Additionally, the company prohibits the giving or receiving of excessive money, benefits, or gifts beyond customary hospitality norms.

Avoidance of Conflict of Interest

Stakeholders must steer clear of any relationships or situations that could potentially compromise their ability to make impartial decisions in the company’s best interests. Artengine S.r.l identifies instances of conflict of interest as:
– Accepting monetary or other benefits from individuals or entities seeking business ties with Artengine S.r.l.
– Exploiting privileged information acquired through business roles in a manner conflicting with corporate interests.
– Misusing one’s position for personal gain conflicting with the company’s interests.

Promotion of Fair Competition

Artengine S.r.l values fairness and equitable competition, committing to refrain from making false or deceptive claims about competitors or their products/services. Consequently, the company pledges to operate in strict accordance with competition and procurement laws.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE BY THIRD PARTIES

The provisions of the Code extend to all external parties who, whether directly or indirectly, contribute to the pursuit of the Company’s objectives and business interests (e.g., consultants, suppliers, etc.). These entities are therefore obligated to adhere to the Code’s stipulations within the scope of their respective roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities.

In the absence of explicit commitment from each consultant, supplier, or employee to uphold the Code’s regulations, Artengine S.r.l will refrain from entering into any agreements or continuing business dealings with them.

To enforce this, specific clauses binding third parties to comply with the Code’s requirements will be incorporated into appointment letters and/or agreements. Any breaches will be subject to appropriate penalties, such as the imposition of liquidated damages or termination of the contract due to misconduct.

EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS

Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are obligated to adhere to the ethical standards outlined in this Code, as well as those specified in manuals pertaining to quality management systems and other internal company policies. They are expected to conduct themselves with fairness, good faith, and diligence in the performance of their duties. Artengine S.r.l recognizes the significance of human resources in driving growth and success; thus, the company is dedicated to fostering the development of employees’ abilities and skills, wherein their professionalism and commitment are deemed crucial to achieving corporate objectives. This commitment is upheld by employing objective criteria for staff selection, recruitment, and compensation.

Work Environment

Artengine S.r.l is committed to preserving the physical and moral well-being of its employees, ensuring working conditions that uphold human dignity. The company pledges to safeguard employees from psychological pressure or bullying, denouncing any form of harassment that undermines the dignity, beliefs, or personal inclinations of individuals. All employees, regardless of their position, are tasked with maintaining a collaborative and respectful work environment, free from intimidation. In compliance with company policies, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
– The use of drugs, alcohol, or similar substances in the workplace.
– Storing pornography or child pornography on personal computers, smartphones, tablets, or any other physical or virtual location within the work environment.

Unlawful Employment

The company has zero tolerance for any form of illegal employment or the hiring of individuals residing irregularly in Italy. Monitoring measures are implemented to ensure the legal status of staff originating from third countries.

When engaging with public institutions, Artengine S.r.l pledges to adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability outlined in this Code. Such interactions are to be handled exclusively by designated representatives well-versed in applicable regulations and adequately trained in accordance with established prevention protocols.

Unlawful Solicitations

Any form of pressure, improper influence, or behavior lacking transparency aimed at inducing favorable treatment from public officials towards the company is strictly prohibited. Similarly, stakeholders approached by public officers, directly or through intermediaries, for the improper acquisition of money or benefits, must reject such demands and follow protocols for prevention.

Relations with Judicial and Supervisory Authorities

The company cooperates actively with judicial, police, or other public officials in inspections, investigations, and legal or administrative proceedings to prevent any obstruction of justice. Artengine S.r.l prohibits its officers, employees, and consultants from exerting pressure or influence, whether direct or perceived, on individuals required to provide information to judicial authorities. Moreover, assisting or encouraging individuals accused of criminal offenses to evade investigations is strictly forbidden.

Artengine S.r.l prohibits direct and indirect funding of political parties, movements, committees, political organizations, trade unions, or their representatives and candidates. Sponsorship or donations may only be directed towards non-profit foundations, institutes, or associations dedicated to scientific research or public interest activities, provided they comply with statutory regulations and demonstrate reliability and effectiveness in their objectives. The company operates in compliance with accounting, civil, and tax regulations, as well as specific protocols established.

Artengine S.r.l adheres strictly to anti-money laundering legislation, implementing corporate policies to ensure compliance with relevant legal regulations. Stakeholders are prohibited from purchasing, replacing, or transferring money, goods, or other benefits known to have criminal origins. Furthermore, they must refrain from actions aimed at hindering the identification or tracing of the origin of such assets.

Artengine S.r.l endeavors to achieve business success by delivering quality products and services under competitive conditions. The company’s business policies prioritize ensuring service quality. Consequently, stakeholders are required to:

– Adhere to internal procedures and authorization profiles for supplier selection and management, refraining from excluding any qualified suppliers.

– Collaborate with suppliers to ensure continuous customer satisfaction, meeting expectations in terms of quality, cost, and delivery.

– Comply with contract conditions and ensure suppliers acknowledge and adhere to the principles outlined in the Code.

– Maintain fairness and good faith in communication and dialogue with suppliers and customers, aligning with best business practices.

– Prevent unauthorized use or abuse of third-party intellectual property rights.

All company communications must comply strictly with accounting standards and legal requirements to provide a clear, accurate, and fair representation of the company’s financial position. Artengine S.r.l is committed to maximum accounting transparency, necessitating the recording of all business transactions accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. Stakeholders are expected to cooperate with management controls as mandated by law, actively participating in preventing illegal behavior in corporate and tax matters.

The company prioritizes environmental stewardship, implementing corporate policies to reduce its environmental impact in line with industry best practices and technological advancements. To mitigate environmental risks, Artengine S.r.l pursues specific objectives, including environmental impact assessments, staff training on environmental legislation, and compliance with agreements and authorizations required for its activities.

All activities conducted by Artengine S.l.r must adhere to fundamental principles accepted in worker health and safety protection. The company is committed to implementing specific procedures to:

– Identify, assess, and mitigate risks.

– Design workspaces, select equipment, and establish working methods to accommodate worker needs.

– Consider technological advancements and environmental factors.

– Plan preventive measures and provide appropriate employee instructions.

Artengine S.r.l’s assets are designated for use by staff in the performance of their duties and must be safeguarded accordingly. Assets should not be utilized for personal purposes or transferred to third parties without prior authorization from company management. Stakeholders are required to adhere to corporate rules governing asset usage, particularly regarding email, phone, and computing resources. Employees must strictly comply with legal and company policies, particularly those pertaining to the protection of company intellectual property rights within the corporate computer system.

Artengine S.r.l prioritizes the protection of personal data as mandated by GDPR 679/2016 and national regulations. The company processes personal data lawfully and transparently, collecting and storing data only for explicit, lawful purposes. Except as required by law, personal data is not disclosed to third parties without consent, and appropriate preventive measures are taken to secure databases against unauthorized access or processing.

These guidelines serve as a comprehensive framework for ethical conduct within Artengine S.r.l, ensuring the integrity, transparency, and sustainability of its operations.

PENALTIES

Any breaches of the Code’s provisions will result in sanctions, in accordance with the disciplinary framework outlined in the Law and relevant contractual agreements. Specifically:

Members of corporate bodies (such as the Board of Directors, executive bodies, and Statutory Auditors) and company staff (including managers, employees, and contracted workers) who violate the Code’s provisions are subject to penalties as determined by the nature of their employment relationship, in alignment with existing regulations.
Other individuals (e.g., suppliers, consultants, etc.) who violate the Code’s provisions are subject to penalties outlined in their respective contractual agreements, in accordance with the nature of their relationship and in compliance with existing standards.
en_USEnglish