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Code of Conduct

Conflict-free precious metals and code of conduct

m&k gmbh is committed to using precious metals from so-called secondary raw materials obtained from the recycling process. We are not a manufacturer and only sell products from suppliers who have committed themselves to the “Code of Conduct”. This applies without exception and is monitored by us. In particular, this means that the suppliers fulfill the following requirements and are audited and certified by TÜV as part of our ISO 9001:2015 certification:

  • do not accept primary gold (mine gold)
  • have an absolutely transparent supply chain
  • train and educate their employees specifically on these topics
  • assume responsibility towards their customers
  • conduct an annual review of the currency and appropriateness of this policy

In this way, m&k gmbh supports international efforts to prevent terrorist and military conflicts and human rights violations, e.g. in the Congo in connection with business in the precious metals industry. German companies that produce and process precious metals bear an extraordinary responsibility – from the beginning to the end of the value chain. The awareness of this shared responsibility of our industry is expressed in the code of conduct of the Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle e.V. (FVEM).

m&k gmbh adheres strictly to this code of conduct, even if it is not a member of the FVEM.

Basic principles of business ethics

The member companies base their economic and social activities on generally recognized ethical principles. Their activities and products contribute to prosperity, while at the same time adverse effects on future generations are avoided wherever possible or at least kept to an absolute minimum. This requires unconditional compliance with fundamental human rights and absolute respect for cultures or customs and traditions with regard to employees, but also towards all those who are affected by the activities of the precious metals industry

  1. Forced labor, child labor and exploitation
    The member companies outlaw forced labor, child labor or any other form of exploitation and contempt for humanity. They are committed to the promotion of human rights.
  2. Discrimination
    Member companies do not tolerate discrimination based on race, gender, ethnic or social origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. They undertake to protect their employees from physical, psychological, sexual or verbal harassment and to punish such incidents.
  3. Freedom of expression
    The right to freedom of expression is protected.

COMPLIANCE - Compliance with existing laws

  1. Value added tax fraud
    Due to their high value, precious metals are a constant target for VAT fraud when recycling material is delivered to precious metal refineries. The member companies are particularly committed to complying with current VAT legislation and supporting the authorities in combating VAT fraud.
  2. Prevention of money laundering
    Compliance with national and international regulations to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing and the responsible handling of precious metals along the entire supply chain are of great importance to the member companies. The member companies set up suitable processes and structures to prevent them from being misused for the purposes of money laundering, tax evasion or other tax offenses. If money laundering is suspected, they work cooperatively with the investigating authorities.
  3. Corruption
    The member companies take suitable precautions to prevent bribery and the acceptance of advantages.
  4. Conflict Minerals
    Member companies shall take appropriate measures to prevent the financing of terrorist activities in connection with precious metals transactions. This includes supporting international efforts to gain clarity about the sourcing and origin of minerals. The aim is to prevent minerals mined there and their export from supporting terrorism and military conflicts in these countries. terrorism and military conflicts in these countries.
  5. Fair competition
    The member companies comply with the laws for the protection of fair competition. In particular, they do not enter into any prohibited price agreements or agreements to share markets or customers with competitors. They ensure, particularly at association meetings, that no secret strategic information is exchanged, especially regarding prices, quantities or customers.
  6. Data protection
    The member companies recognize the general personal rights of their employees and the employees of their business partners. They therefore ensure that personal data is only processed and passed on in accordance with the applicable legal regulations.

Sustainability

The precious metals manufacturing and processing industry produces unique products of high value and vital importance for modern life. Precious metals are key products for innovation and technical progress, for environmental protection and energy saving. Precious metals help to improve the quality of life. The companies in the precious metals industry carry out a great deal of research and development, for example in the field of precious metal applications in areas that fulfill and promote the principle of sustainable development. Precious metals are infinitely recyclable and conserve natural resources. The member companies are aware of these properties and align their business activities with the principles of sustainability.

  1. Resources
    The precious metals produced in Germany are recovered from old materials. By recycling materials containing precious metals, the member companies make an important contribution to conserving resources. Through constant innovation, the member companies ensure that the production processes are always state of the art and therefore minimize the impact on the environment. The member companies constantly strive to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the environmental impact caused by the reprocessing or manufacture of products containing precious metals.
  2. Environmental and health protection
    The member companies meticulously comply with all environmental and health regulations. Particular attention is paid to protecting the health of their employees.
  3. Social responsibility
    The precious metals industry contributes to growth and prosperity. It also secures thousands of jobs in the supply industry. In some regions, this industry is the main source of income. The member companies are aware of this responsibility and strive to secure the jobs they have created in Germany and the company locations in the long term. The member companies also contribute to social development, e.g. by supporting charitable causes. The member companies always endeavor to engage in active public relations work and to make their actions transparent. However, there is no entitlement to the disclosure of business secrets. The precious metals industry calls on all partners such as governments, environmental associations, non-governmental organizations, employees, customers, suppliers, the press and the wider public to engage in constructive dialogue.

Source: Verhaltenskodex der Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle e.V.

Declaration on the REACH Regulation

Da die m&k gmbh weder Chemikalien herstellt noch importiert, fallen wir unter die Regelungen für sogenannte „Nachgeschaltete Anwender“.

Hieraus ergibt sich für uns weder eine Registrierungspflicht gemäß REACH noch die Pflicht zur Erstellung von Sicherheitsdatenblättern. Die von der m&k gmbh gelieferten Halb- und Fertigerzeugnisse enthalten, soweit nicht ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen wird, keine oder unter den maximalen Grenzen (nach REACH-Verordnung) liegende Verunreinigungen mit Stoffen der „Kandidatenliste“. Sollten von uns bezogene Halb- oder Fertigerzeugnisse unter die REACHVerordnung fallen, werden wir dies auf unseren Lieferdokumenten ausdrücklich festhalten und die benötigten Sicherheitsdatenblätter beilegen.

Eine genaue Aufschlüsselung der stofflichen Beschaffenheit bezogener Produkt kann kostenpflichtig als Werkszeugnis oder chemische Analyse bei der m&k gmbh in Auftrag gegeben werden. Wir bitten Sie, dies bei der Bestellung mit anzugeben. Eine nachträgliche Ausstellung ist in der Regel nicht möglich.

Erklärung zu RoHS - Richtlinie

The semi-finished and finished products supplied by m&k gmbh contain, unless expressly stated otherwise, no contamination or contamination below the maximum limits (according to the RoHS Directive) by the following substances:

Pb

– Plumb

< 0,1%
Hg

– Mercury

< 0,1 %
Cd

– Cadmium

< 0,01 %
Cr+6

– hexavalent chromium

< 0, 1 %
PBB

– Polybrominated biphenyls

< 0, 1 %
PBDE

– Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

< 0, 1 %
DEHP

– Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

< 0, 1 %
BBP

– Benzyl butyl phthalate

< 0, 1 %
DBP

– Dibutyl phthalate

 < 0, 1 %

DIBP

– Diisobutyl phthalate

< 0, 1 %

A more precise breakdown of the material properties of purchased products can be ordered from m&k gbh as a works certificate or chemical analysis for a fee. Please indicate this when ordering. Subsequent issue is generally not possible.

Get in touch with us

Write us a message or give us a call on 036424 / 811-28.

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