Corporate Compliance

Program for Legal Compliance and Corporate Responsibility

I. Expertise with responsibility
Expertise with responsibility is the key to Bayer's success. Lawful and ethical conduct is fundamental to this. Alongside technical expertise, our employees' sense of responsibility is a major factor in our company's success.This code of conduct provides information about particularly important areas of responsibility.

II. Basis: applicable law
Bayer AG respects applicable law, including international law, and requires its employees and business partners to do likewise. This program lists some of the main points that are of particular practical relevance.

No antitrust violations
Bayer AG is unreservedly committed to the principle of free competition on fair terms, and in particular to strict adherence to the antitrust law. Even giving the appearance of using anti-competitive practices must be avoided.
Handling of sensitive substances
All statutory provisions, safety regulations and technical regulations must be observed, whether for pharmaceuticals, narcotics or hazardous materials.
Occupational safety
Every employee is responsible for occupational safety at his or her workplace. Environmental protection, industrial hygiene and work safety regulations must be strictly applied.
Plant safety
Careful planning and operation are the best way to avoid malfunctions, accidents and major incidents.
Product safety
The principles of product stewardship demand that we assume responsibility for the entire product cycle.
Protection of the environment
In line with the principles of the Responsible Care initiative, Bayer has made a voluntary commitment to continually improve its environmental performance.
Compliance with the law of nations and international trade law
The provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the export control laws are binding, particularly for our employees in research and development.
Genetic engineering
Bayer regards genetic engineering as an essential method for developing new products and solving problems. It may only be used in compliance with all applicable legal regulations.
Commercial patents
Inventions, patents and other intellectual property are outstandingly important to our company's future. We attach the same care to protecting them as we do to respecting the similar rights of others.
Separating corporate from private interests
Every employee must separate his or her private interests from those of the company. When making personnel decisions or in business relationships with third parties, only impartial criteria may be taken into account.
Fairness and respect in dealings with one another
Every employee is an ambassador of his or her company. Bayer expects its employees to be friendly, objective and fair in their dealings with colleagues and third parties. There must be no discrimination whatsoever.
Data protection at work
All documents and data used at the workplace must be effectively protected from access by unauthorized persons. Computer data must be secured through the use and frequent changing of passwords.
Working with the authorities
Bayer endeavors to be cooperative and open in its dealings with the authorities. Safeguarding the rights of the company and its employees when investigations are made by the authorities is not in contradiction to this.

III. Implementation of the Program

The company offers its employees the use of all necessary sources of information, the counsel of its legal department, and protection from unjustified interference by third parties.
Violations against the Program will not be tolerated. In case of doubt, the employee must seek advice from the relevant departments in the company. Every supervisor must ensure that his or her organization conforms to the requirements of the program.
The holding company, subgroups and service companies are to set up their own Compliance Committees. These committees develop systematic training and implementation measures, carry them out and supervise them.
All employees are obliged to report any violations of this Compliance Program immediately. Every employee will receive a copy of the Program. All managers must also confirm in writing that they will observe its provisions.
The Corporate Auditing Department will monitor compliance with this Program at regular intervals.