Whistleblower protection

Submitting a report

Reports help us address potential violations at an early stage and prevent or reduce harm to our company. In order to learn about violations within the company in good time and to follow up on reports appropriately, Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L. has established several reporting channels through which reports can be submitted – anonymously if desired.
 

What can be reported?

The Code of Conduct of Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L. describes the high standards we set for our own conduct and business practices, as well as those of our business partners. Possible violations of these standards, including violations of applicable law, can be reported. These may include:
 

• Bribery (including attempted bribery) or corruption
• Anti-competitive conduct
• Conduct in breach of antitrust law
• Criminal conduct, such as theft, fraud, etc.
• Misappropriation of material
• Damage to assets through embezzlement
• Breaches of data protection and manipulation of documents
• Violations of occupational health and safety or environmental protection regulations
• Violations of anti-money laundering requirements
• Grossly improper social conduct, discrimination or harassment

 

Reporting channels at Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L.

If you have specific, well-founded information about, or suspect, legal violations or breaches of regulations at Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L., you have the following ways to contact us:
 

• by telephone: +34 911 982 900 (Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• by email: info.es@degussa.com
• by post to: Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L., C/ de Velázquez 2, 28001 Madrid, Spain

When submitting your report by email, please note that the confidentiality of electronic communication cannot always be fully guaranteed. Where possible, we recommend using the designated internal reporting channels or the electronic whistleblower system.

Anonymous reports help to permanently safeguard the reliability and integrity of Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L. In this case, please provide as many details as possible and – where available – also submit documents that support your suspicion. Only if sufficiently specific investigative leads and means of providing evidence emerge can your report be processed effectively.

Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L. follows up on all reports. In connection with their processing, the utmost confidentiality is ensured in dealing with the reporting person. This also applies to any employees who may be affected by an allegation. 

Electronic: internet-based whistleblower system

Possible legal or policy violations within the company can be reported via the electronic whistleblower system – anonymously if desired.

Our electronic whistleblower system is available in several languages and is open to all employees of Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L., as well as to customers, suppliers and other third parties. You can access the internet-based whistleblower system via this link.
 

External reporting office

Reporting persons can choose whether they wish to address an internal or an external reporting office to report information about a possible violation. Information about the relevant external reporting procedures can be found on the websites of the competent authorities.

Degussa Metales Preciosos, S.L. would, however, like to encourage reporting persons to first address their reports to the internal reporting office.
 

Access to and processing of reports

Incoming reports are reviewed and processed. By setting up a protected area, communication between the reporting office and the reporting person is possible – anonymously if desired.

The reporting office contacts the reporting persons. As a general rule, an acknowledgement of receipt should be issued within seven days of a report, and a notification of the conclusion of the procedure or information about its status should be provided within three months. In accordance with applicable laws, the response must take into account the confidentiality and the right to privacy of all persons concerned.
 

Misuse of the whistleblower system

As part of the investigation of reports, we also take into account the legitimate interests of the persons affected by a report. Please bear in mind that suspicions and accusations against a person can have serious consequences.

Misuse of the whistleblower system will not be tolerated. We therefore point out that knowingly false statements about third parties can have legal consequences.

The whistleblower system is not intended for general complaints. Should you have questions or suggestions of a different nature, please contact info.es@degussa.com.

We ask you to use the whistleblower system responsibly.