All APPA Member organisations agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct.
In conjunction with the APPA Constitution, the Code sets the standards for relationships between Members, best practice with clients and general good order with respect to business management, including compliance. Acceptance of, and adherence to the Code, is a pre-requisite of Membership.
Each Member is responsible for ensuring their personnel comply with the Constitution, the Code of Conduct and all charters, policies and codes approved by the APPA Board.
The purpose of this Code is to encourage productive, ethical, and mutually beneficial commercial relationships across the supply chain for the benefit of the industry and end-users. This Code details the responsibilities and required conduct for all Members of APPA. Any breach of this Code may lead to a Member being censured, suspended, or expelled from the Association.
APPA Code of Conduct: Conduct Rules Summary
CONDUCT RULE 1: FAIR BUSINESS DEALINGS
Members shall conduct their activities with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all their dealings with The Board, clients, personnel, and with their fellow Members and prospective Members. Members and their personnel will not engage in anti-competitive or corrupt behaviour. APPA supports co-operative, professional dealings between Members and encourages Members to conduct business with each other.
CONDUCT RULE 2: RECOGNITION OF FELLOW MEMBERS AND PROMOTION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Members will where possible promote and use other Members’ products and services.
CONDUCT RULE 3: HONEST REPRESENTATIONS
Members will make honest representations including, but not limited to, statements about their company, personnel, products, and capabilities. Conduct Rule 3 covers product safety and quality, intellectual property, use of APPA’s logo and identity.
CONDUCT RULE 4: COMMITMENT TO TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Members have a responsibility to continue the acquisition of professional skills in the industry (including all personnel) and to encourage the development of these skills in those who are desirous of entry into or continuing in the profession of promotional product marketing.
CONDUCT RULE 5: PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY
Members shall be committed to the growth and development of the industry and will actively support, promote, and enhance APPA policies, membership programmes, and the various activities of APPA.
CONDUCT RULE 6: INSURANCE AND LIABILITY COVERAGE
Members are required to carry the correct level of insurance for stock and general liability which comes with the production and supply of products relevant to their business circumstances and their responsibilities throughout the supply chain.
CONDUCT RULE 7: RESPECTING PERSONNEL
Members will not directly or indirectly use any form of forced labour, including indentured, prison, bonded, or slave labour and will not use or allow the use of physical or verbal harassment or abuse to discipline Personnel. Members will not directly or indirectly use child labour and will comply with all minimum age provisions of applicable laws and regulations. Members will not discriminate in hiring and employment practices based on age, nationality, race, religion, social, sexual or ethnic orientation, gender, or disability. Members will comply with all applicable employment laws.
CONDUCT RULE 8: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Members will abide by all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Members will not misrepresent products knowingly as environmentally friendly to their clients and are expected to secure required legal documentation if representing products with specific features, qualities, or performance.
CONDUCT RULE 9: RESPECT FOR FELLOW MEMBERS
Members are expected to act with integrity and professionalism including, but not limited to, avoiding sharing malicious or harmful information about a fellow Member, and respecting the rules of entry to tradeshows and APPA events.
CONDUCT RULE 10: COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING COMPLAINTS
It is a condition of Membership that Members commit to the documented dispute resolution process.
