Compliance

Through compliance, we uphold trust, deliver quality and act with integrity, driving responsible growth across all the markets we serve.

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Integrity in action. Progress with purpose

Compliance isn’t just about formality; it’s the foundation of trust, quality and genuine responsibility in every country we call home across Europe. By balancing growth with respect for rules and standards, we ensure that our actions are beneficial to both our customers and suppliers. We take pride in moving forward thoughtfully—valuing collaboration, delivering excellence and upholding integrity in everything we do.

Compliance guides our actions and upholds the trust of our partners and customers. We commit to the highest standards—from anti-corruption to sustainability—ensuring every link in our chain is built on integrity.

Lothar Vöcking
Group HR Director | Chief Compliance Officer
Business code of conduct
Business code of conduct

Our business Code of Conduct

Our business Code of Conduct is a cornerstone of how we operate, setting out clear expectations for ethical behaviour, legal compliance and respect for everyone connected to our business. It covers key areas such as fair competition, data protection, human rights and labour standards—ensuring we act responsibly and transparently in all that we do.

This code empowers every team member to act with honesty and integrity, safeguarding OQEMA’s reputation and the trust of our clients, partners and communities. It offers guidance on navigating conflicts of interest, protecting confidential information and addressing customer concerns—reinforcing our commitment to a fair, respectful and sustainable work environment.

By living these principles every day, we foster a culture of accountability, mutual respect and social responsibility—essential to our long-term success and positive impact.

Supplier code of conduct
Supplier code of conduct

Our business Code of Conduct

Our business Code of Conduct is a cornerstone of how we operate, setting out clear expectations for ethical behaviour, legal compliance and respect for everyone connected to our business. It covers key areas such as fair competition, data protection, human rights and labour standards—ensuring we act responsibly and transparently in all that we do.

This code empowers every team member to act with honesty and integrity, safeguarding OQEMA’s reputation and the trust of our clients, partners and communities. It offers guidance on navigating conflicts of interest, protecting confidential information and addressing customer concerns—reinforcing our commitment to a fair, respectful and sustainable work environment.

By living these principles every day, we foster a culture of accountability, mutual respect and social responsibility—essential to our long-term success and positive impact.

Want to know more about our standards?

Download our Business Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct here. These documents outline the key principles that guide every decision we make, embodying OQEMA’s commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible business practices.

OQEMA_Code of conduct - external_24

4 MB | PDF

OQEMA_Code of conduct - for business partners_24

1 MB | PDF

OQEMA_Corporate Governance Codex_24

3 MB | PDF

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Our approach to compliance

We are committed to acting responsibly and with integrity across all areas of our business. The following principles guide how we manage compliance, protect data and uphold ethical standards throughout our organisation.

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Compliance management & organisation

Compliance is central to how we operate, with a dedicated compliance team ensuring every aspect of our business meets the highest regulatory and ethical standards. Guided by our Management Board—who receive regular updates on compliance matters—we maintain consistent alignment with our values across Europe.

Our structured approach connects regional and local levels seamlessly. Regional compliance managers coordinate activities closely with the central team, reporting regularly and sharing knowledge to strengthen oversight and cultivate a unified compliance culture.

This framework ensures our compliance initiatives are fully integrated into day-to-day operations, enabling us to uphold our ethical commitments consistently and responsively across our entire network.

Corruption prevention

OQEMA enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, anchored in a comprehensive anti-corruption directive that applies across our entire network. Guided by transparency and accountability, this policy protects our reputation and fosters a culture of integrity throughout our operations.

Our anti-corruption directive, together with our Code of Conduct and Ethics, sets clear expectations for all employees. This includes structured safeguards such as functional separation, the four-eyes principle, and competitive bidding processes for suppliers and service providers. Regular internal audits reinforce compliance at every level of the organisation.

To strengthen this framework, we provide targeted training tailored to specific roles and maintain an anonymous whistleblower system for reporting concerns. These measures work together to create a resilient defence against corruption and uphold an ethical, trustworthy environment across all OQEMA locations.

Foreign trade compliance

At OQEMA, we place the highest priority on adhering to foreign trade regulations to ensure all cross-border transactions comply with international laws and restrictions. Using advanced IT systems, we screen transactions against sanction lists across multiple jurisdictions, safeguarding secure and responsible global operations.

Our commitment includes strict compliance with trade restrictions that prohibit dealings with sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals under international embargoes. By regularly vetting customers and suppliers against sanction lists from the United Nations, European Union and other authorities, we proactively prevent restricted transactions. If a potential match is identified, we conduct a thorough review and work closely with the relevant authorities to take appropriate action.

This rigorous approach underscores our integrity as a global chemical distributor and reinforces our role as a trusted partner in international trade.

Data protection

For OQEMA, safeguarding personal information is a top priority. Our dedicated Data Protection Officer oversees a comprehensive system designed to meet stringent global standards, ensuring personal data is handled responsibly throughout all operations.

Supported by regional coordinators, the Data Protection Officer works independently to develop, implement and maintain a robust data protection management system. This framework protects the trust placed in us by clients and partners, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, privacy and security across every region and transaction.

Whistleblower system: speak up with confidence

For OQEMA, integrity is at the heart of everything we do. We want our employees and partners to feel empowered and secure when raising ethical concerns. Our Whistleblower System provides a confidential and accessible way to report suspected misconduct or non-compliance—without fear or hesitation.

Operated by a trusted third-party provider, the system guarantees anonymity and protects all parties involved, ensuring that those who speak up in good faith are treated with respect. Every report is handled discreetly and in full compliance with data protection laws. Speaking up isn’t just safe—it’s essential to sustaining our culture of ethics and accountability.

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