Compliance and Integrity
All Committed, All Compliant!
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements is a challenge we meet in all countries where we operate. However, we not only rise to this challenge but go beyond it, because we make compliance and integrity a core, daily priority for our associates.
Sonepar is committed to the highest ethical, social, and environmental standards. We aim to be a responsible corporate citizen in all countries where we operate.
In 2019, Sonepar became the first group in France to be officially declared compliant with all the requirements of France’s Sapin II anti-corruption law - read the press release.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Read our CSR report based on the Sonepar Group’s long-term strategy.
“Compliance is everyone’s responsibility at Sonepar – every day and in everything we do.”
Philippe Delpech, President, as representative of Colam Entreprendre
Sonepar’s Code of Conduct
The Group's Code of Conduct is the reference document for global compliance and integrity within Sonepar.
It is regularly updated with the latest regulatory developments, best practices, and Sonepar’s corruption and influence peddling risk mapping.
All Sonepar Regions and support functions have played their part in creating this reader-friendly Code of Conduct, which sets out the principles and rules of good conduct that all Sonepar’s associates must use as a guide to their daily business – everywhere and every day.
Each associate has access to a copy of the Code of Conduct in their own language.
To ensure it is understood and used by all, the code is available in 20 different languages.
Sonepar also expects its business partners to commit to the same high ethical standards. To ensure this, we use a dedicated Supplier Code of Conduct that sets out clearly defined expectations; and the Group uses specific procedures and tools to assess the integrity of its business partners.
Conflict Minerals & Human Rights
Conflict Minerals Statement
Sonepar is deeply committed to responsible sourcing, as an important part of its CSR strategy. We do our best to ensure that our suppliers’ products and components do not contribute to adverse impacts on human rights.
Human Rights Policy
As the world leader in the B-to-B distribution of electrical products and related solutions and services, Sonepar is an influential player throughout its value chain.
As set out in its Code of Conduct, Sonepar is committed to providing a working environment that ensures that all associates are treated fairly, equally, and decently. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
Our Human Rights Policy further detail our commitments. It applies to all Sonepar operating subsidiaries. It can also be made available to our external stakeholders to provide guidelines for everyone and to make our expectations of our Suppliers Code of Conduct clear.
Sonepar’s Compliance Program
Sonepar’s Code of Conduct, and its related Policies and Procedures, all form part of a comprehensive Group Compliance Program.
This also includes educational and information campaigns, risk mapping, reporting, whistleblowing, assessments, and audits.
What is the Speak Up Line?
The Speak Up Line is a dedicated service that allows associates, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report concerns anonymously or openly.
This service is available 24/7 and ensures that your voice is heard, and your concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
You may use the Speak Up Line to report on human rights, fraud, corruption, influence peddling, data privacy, harassment, international sanctions and embargoes, health and safety, the environment, discrimination, crimes, and other offenses.
What Information Should be Provided?
All reports must be as factual and complete as possible.
Reports must contain information that answers the following questions:
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Who was, or is, involved?
- Are the circumstances ongoing?
- What is the risk or urgency of the situation?
- How do you know about these circumstances?
- Are there witnesses or any other people affected by the situation?
If a reporter has documentation or other supporting evidence, it can be shared via the platform too.
Confidentiality and Non-retaliation
Reports made through the Speak Up Line are treated with the utmost confidentiality. You may choose to remain anonymous. However, note that a non-anonymous report will be treated more efficiently.
Sonepar strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Follow-Up and Resolution
After you submit a report, our compliance team will review and investigate the matter thoroughly. You may be contacted for additional information if needed. We are committed to resolving issues fairly and taking appropriate corrective actions when necessary.
We believe that everyone has a role in maintaining our integrity standards. By using the Speak Up Line, you help us uphold our values and ensure a safe, respectful, and compliant workplace for all.
Thank you for your commitment to integrity!
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