Rules of Procedure for the Appeals Process
1. Purpose
2. Competence
3. Filing of Complaints
4. Content of the complaint
5. Complaint Handling
6. Communication with the Complainant
7. Remedies
8. Documentation and Reporting
9. Confidentiality
10. Protection of the Complainant
1. Purpose
The Rules of Procedure set forth the process for filing and processing complaints of alleged human rights violations and environmental risks under the Supply Chain Due Process Act.
2. Competence
The Company will establish an independent, confidential office for receiving and handling complaints.
3. Filing of Complaints
Any person or group who believes they have been affected by a human rights violation in the company's supply chain may file a complaint. Complaints can be submitted through a variety of channels, including email, phone, or an online form.
4. Content of the complaint
The complaint should include information about the nature of the human rights violation, the person or group affected, the place and time of the violation, and any evidence.
5. Complaint Handling
The competent body reviews each complaint received and, if appropriate, initiate an investigation. The investigation should be thorough, impartial, and timely. The complainant will receive feedback on their submission within seven working days at the latest.
6. Communication with the Complainant
If legally permissible and requested by the complainant, the complainant will be informed of the progress and outcome of the investigation.
7. Remedies
If the complaint proves to be well-founded, the company will take appropriate measures to remedy the human rights violation. These actions may include terminating the business relationship with the supplier that committed the human rights violation, or making changes to company policies and practices.
8. Documentation and Reporting
All complaints and the resulting actions are documented. A summary of complaints and actions taken is reported to management and to the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control in the company's annual human rights due diligence report.
9. Confidentiality
The identity of the complainant is kept confidential, unless otherwise requested or required by law.
10. Protection of the Complainant
The company will ensure that no retaliation is taken against complainants. Any retaliation is considered a serious violation of the Rules of Procedure and the Supply Chain Due Process Act.
