Compliance Hotline: Heraeus Integrity Line
For companies and employees, it is a joined responsibility to comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Part of a good compliance culture is that compliance, environmental, and human rights violations (hereinafter “compliance violations”) can be reported confidentially and without fear of retaliation. To this end, Heraeus offers the globally available compliance reporting channel “Heraeus Integrity Line”, which is available to all internal and external stakeholders.
Heraeus Integrity Line enables employees and other business partners, especially suppliers and customers, to inform Heraeus confidentially about unethical behavior and possible compliance violations.
Heraeus welcomes employees to first raise possible compliance violations with their supervisors, or the Compliance Officers of the Operating Companies. If this does not seem possible or purposeful to the whistleblower, reporting of compliance violations should be done via the Heraeus Integrity Line. Alternatively, reporting to the external ombudsman appointed by Heraeus is also possible.
What types of potential compliance violations can be reported?
- Criminal offenses, in particular theft, fraud, corruption, violations of antitrust laws, money laundering
- Violation of human rights or environmental standards, at Heraeus or in the supply chain, in particular violations of the Heraeus Supply Chain Due Diligence Policy
- Data protection violations and information security breaches
- Other significant violations of law
- Intentional Breaches of Customer/Supplier Contracts
- Significant violations of internal policies and the Code of Conduct
The following issues cannot be covered by the Compliance Hotline:
- Inquiries with regard to the precious metals business, in particular inquiries with regard to the authenticity of Heraeus gold bars and inquiries with regard to the sale of precious metals containing materials to Heraeus
- Employment law conflicts
- Misconduct by colleagues or supervisors not directly related to Heraeus business activities
- Minor violations of internal guidelines, e.g., one-time violation of documentation requirements
How can I report a (suspected) compliance violation?
