Code of Ethics
The companies belonging to the PRECIOSA Group (hereinafter collectively referred to as the ‘Preciosa Group Companies’ and each of them individually referred to as ‘Preciosa’) have issued this Code of Ethics to express their commitment to upholding moral and ethical values in both their management practices and in their daily operations. They undertake to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and national and international conventions, as well as with best practices, particularly in the areas of labour standards and social responsibilities, environmental protection and business ethics and integrity.
This approach ensures, among other things, that any product manufactured and/or supplied by Preciosa is developed with respect for workers' rights and human rights in general, minimizing environmental impact, and is created within the framework of transparent and loyal business relationships.
1. Labour Standards and Social Responsibility
Preciosa Group Companies place emphasis on exemplary social responsibility in their operations and fully respect human rights and workers' rights. This includes, in particular, compliance with the principles set out in national legislation, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the conventions of the International Labour Organisation, and the principles of the UN Global Compact initiative.
Prohibition of Child Labour
Children under the age of 15 or before the end of compulsory schooling are prohibited from employment. In countries where Preciosa Group Companies operate and where local legislation requires a higher age for child labour, this higher age shall apply. Employees under the age of 18 may not work overtime, perform hazardous tasks or work night shifts.
Prohibition of Illegal Labour and Human Trafficking
Preciosa Group Companies condemn any form of human trafficking and any type of abusive, illegal or forced labour. All employees must be free to accept or terminate their employment voluntarily, and their freedom of movement must always be respected. All applicable laws and regulations concerning the prevention of illegal, unlawful and undeclared work must be unconditionally observed at all times.
Prohibition of Harassment and Abuse
Our employees are always treated with respect and dignity. Any act or practice leading to physical, sexual, verbal or psychological harassment - or any other form of abuse - is unacceptable and will be subject to severe disciplinary measures.
Non-Discrimination
Preciosa Group Companies ensure equal, fair and just treatment of all employees. Any form of discrimination—whether based on sex, race, ethnic origin (actual or perceived), religion, age, health status or disability, sexual orientation, political opinion, trade union membership, nationality, gender identity, physical appearance, gender or social origin—is strictly prohibited. This is unacceptable particularly in areas such as remuneration, recruitment, training opportunities, career advancement, maternity protection, disciplinary measures and dismissal.
Fair Wages and Benefits
Wages are paid directly to employees, in legal currency, on time and on a regular basis, at least once per month. Overtime work is compensated in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Preciosa Group Companies also comply with all other legal obligations related to remuneration. If there is no legal minimum wage or overtime rate in the country where the work is performed, the relevant Preciosa Group Company must ensure that wages meet at least the industry’s average minimum wage, and that overtime is paid at the standard hourly rate. The wage must be sufficient to cover employees' basic needs and allow for certain discretionary expenses. Deductions from wages are made only in cases when this is permitted by national legislation or with the full, informed consent of the employee. Deductions from wages may never be used as a form of disciplinary action. Employees shall receive clear and transparent information regarding working hours, pay conditions and the calculation of any statutory deductions. Preciosa Group Companies provide all employees with all benefits in accordance with applicable legislation, collective agreements and relevant individual agreements. Employees with equal experience, performance and qualifications shall receive equal pay for equal work. All employees shall have full and unrestricted control over their earnings.
Working Hours
The Preciosa Group Companies comply with all legal provisions regarding working hours and their scheduling. The total number of hours worked per day and per week, including overtime, must remain within the limits established by law (and must under no circumstances exceed the maximum thresholds set by internationally valid standards, such as those of the International Labour Organisation). Overtime work may only be assigned within the limits set by law and provided that the legal requirements are met. Likewise, all regulations concerning mandatory rest days, breaks and paid holidays are always to be observed. Employees are entitled to at least the minimum number of days off required by law, including at least one day of rest in every seven-day period.
Freedom of Association and Expression
Preciosa Group Companies respect and uphold employees' rights to engage in collective bargaining and to establish or join a trade union of their choice, or to participate in its activities, without facing any sanctions, discrimination, or persecution. Where required by law (or established by collective agreements), Preciosa Group Companies shall provide employee representatives with the necessary means to exercise their rights. Any form of intimidation, threats or discrimination against employee representatives is strictly prohibited. All employees have the right to express their opinion regarding their working conditions, both individually and collectively with other employees.
Ensuring Health and Safety
A safe, healthy and hygienic working environment is provided for employees in compliance with applicable legislation.
A safe working environment shall be provided for employees in order to prevent accidents or injuries related to or occurring during work. To this end, Preciosa Group Companies inspect and properly maintain their equipment and machinery, and provide their employees with equipment that meets the relevant standards. Preciosa Group Companies also have systems in place to identify, prevent or eliminate health and safety risks while complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
Preciosa Group Companies have implemented measures to prevent work-related accidents and injuries by assessing and minimising the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.
These measures include, in particular:
- Occupational health and safety guidelines are available in the workplace and widely communicated to employees. Employees receive regular and verifiable training on occupational health and safety;
- Employees are supplied with protective equipment appropriate to their activities;
- Employees must never be locked inside the workplace, and adequate escape routes must be provided;
- Free access to clean toilets and drinking water is ensured, as well as to sanitary facilities for food storage where necessary;
- The use of alcohol and other addictive substances in connection with the performance of work is not permitted (unless expressly permitted by law). Appropriate measures shall be taken against employees who use or are under the influence of alcohol or other addictive substances at work;
- Responsibility for health and safety at work is shared by all employees, in accordance with the scope of their roles.
2. Environmental Protection
Environmentally responsible behaviour is an integral part of the strategy of Preciosa Group Companies, which take specific measures within their operations to protect the environment and adhere to best environmental practices to minimise the impact of their activities on the environment.
Preciosa Group Companies comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and professional standards, and have obtained all necessary environmental permits. They strive to implement the following practices in their operations:
Production Facilities and Workplaces
- Implementing environmental management systems;
- Improving environmental levels in facilities and production processes, particularly through efficient waste management, elimination of air, water and soil pollution, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on the use of clean energy sources, and the reduction of water and energy consumption;
- Ensuring that employees whose work has a direct environmental impact are properly trained, qualified and equipped to perform their duties effectively in accordance with these environmental commitments;
Raw Materials and Products
- Use of environmentally responsible alternatives (certified materials, recycled materials, materials derived from regenerative agricultural practices, etc.), where reasonably available;
- Safe handling of chemicals and assurance that all products and raw materials comply with applicable national and international regulations and best professional standards, including REACH, 3TG and others;
- Promotion of biodiversity conservation and compliance with relevant international standards and environmental regulations such as CITES;
- Guarantee of traceability and information sharing regarding the origin of raw materials, ensuring that all materials and substances used meet relevant regulations;
3. Business Ethics and Integrity
Preciosa Group Companies comply with the relevant standards of integrity in their business operations and all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, particularly in the following areas: anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, fair competition and personal data protection.
Prohibition of All Forms of Corruption
Preciosa Group Companies maintain a strict (zero tolerance) policy towards corruption and influencing. They implement effective measures to prevent, detect and address any direct or indirect corrupt behaviour or “influence peddling”. This includes the prohibition of providing any benefits to public officials.
Gifts and Invitations
Gifts or invitations may be considered acceptable gestures of goodwill in business relationships if they are reasonable in scope and value, provided openly and transparently, permitted by applicable laws and regulations, appropriate for the region where they are provided, intended to express respect or gratitude, and not offered with the expectation of any favor in return. Any other gifts are unacceptable, regardless of whether given to representatives of Preciosa Group Companies or to third parties, and regardless of whether or not they violate anti-corruption rules and regulations.
Preventing Money Laundering
Preciosa Group Companies have effective controls in place to prevent money laundering within their operations. They ensure transparency in all financial transactions and always report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Prevention of Conflicts of Interest
Preciosa Group Companies strive to eliminate any situations that could give rise to an actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest in their business relationships.
Fair Business, Advertising and Competition
Preciosa Group Companies adhere to the principles of fair business, advertising and competition. Deceptive, misleading, fraudulent or unfair practices are strictly prohibited. Preciosa Group Companies compete honestly and ethically, fully complying with antitrust laws and avoiding any activities that restrict free competition. Agreements with competitors on prices, market division, production or sales restrictions, or any other agreements on conduct aimed at restricting or distorting competition are prohibited.
Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Data
Preciosa Group Companies have taken all necessary measures to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets and other non-public information they obtain in the course of their business relationships. They also ensure the confidentiality and security of all personal data they handle. Personal data is collected, processed and used in accordance with the principles and in accordance with personal data protection laws and regulations.
Trade Restrictions and Export and Import Controls
Preciosa Group Companies comply with all applicable international trade restrictions and economic and trade sanctions, including any updates to such measures, as well as all applicable export and import control laws and regulations.
Conflict Minerals
Preciosa Group Companies shall ensure that their products do not contain conflict minerals that directly or indirectly finance armed groups or contribute to human rights violations, including those occurring within the supply chain.
4. Complaints
Any person has the right to report circumstances suggesting that a violation of this Code of Ethics or other unethical behaviour has occurred, including via the contact email:
Every complaint will be investigated, and appropriate corrective actions will be taken if a breach of the established rules is found.