Acting responsibly - Compliance at Wiha
At Wiha, acting responsibly, respectfully and with integrity is at the centre of our corporate identity. As an internationally active company, it is a matter of course for us to comply with applicable laws, ethical principles and our own company standards at all times - and to actively set an example.With our Wiha Code of Conduct and by signing the BME Code of Conduct, we are sending a clear signal in favour of transparency, fairness and sustainability in our day-to-day business. The BME Code of Conduct is a cross-industry code of conduct of the German Association of Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics, which defines minimum requirements for ethical and sustainable behaviour for companies and their supply chains. The details of our Wiha Code of Conduct can be found further down on this page. Both sets of rules provide all employees with binding guidance for compliant, respectful and value-based behaviour.
We have also developed our own Wiha Business Partner Code for our business partners. It serves to anchor our compliance principles in the supply chain and to jointly stand up for high ethical, social and ecological standards. Click here for an overview: Purchase
Wiha Compliance Guideline
The Wiha Compliance Guideline defines binding standards for integrity, fairness and legally compliant behaviour. The most important topics are summarised below.Responsibility towards employees
Wiha creates a respectful and co-operative working environment based on trust and individual development. We offer fair pay, flexible working arrangements and a safe working environment.
Freedom of association and co-determination
We are committed to a working environment that offers space for diversity of opinion, participation, and mutual respect. At Wiha, we encourage open communication and active involvement from our employees.
Social dialogue with employees
Wiha maintains a structured dialogue with employees through regular dialogues, surveys and transparent communication. At Wiha, suggestions and participation are expressly encouraged - for a working environment that everyone can help shape.
Occupational health and safety
Occupational health and safety is our top priority. We offer comprehensive health protection and promotion measures that go beyond legal standards. Our management system is structured in accordance with ISO 45001.
Human rights
Wiha is committed to universally recognized human rights. Within our sphere of influence, we ensure fair working conditions, secure jobs, and dignified treatment. Our business partners are also required to comply with the relevant standards.
Child and forced labour
Wiha rejects all forms of child and forced labour. We are guided by the ILO core labour standards and national laws. Within the scope of our possibilities, we pay attention to risks in the supply chain and actively counteract them.
Anti-corruption and integrity
Our actions are based on transparency and integrity. We counter corruption, fraud, the acceptance of benefits and money laundering with clear rules, training and a sensitive approach to risky situations.
Conflicts of interest
Employees are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest and deal with them responsibly.
Fair competition
Wiha stands for fair competition and supports compliance with all applicable competition and antitrust laws. Unauthorised agreements are not tolerated.
Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination
Discrimination of any kind has no place at Wiha. We are actively committed to equality, diversity and respectful cooperation.
Data protection and information security
Wiha protects data and information with a holistic approach: Personal data is processed in accordance with the GDPR. In addition, Wiha ensures information security through a comprehensive security concept.
Compliance training
Regular training courses raise awareness of ethical behaviour, legal requirements and internal company standards.
Environment, health and safety
Wiha is actively committed to protecting people and the environment by consistently implementing our environmental policy. This policy covers the health and safety of our employees and customers, the safe handling of hazardous substances, the responsible use of water, the reduction of air pollution, energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases as well as sustainable waste management and recycling management. Our overarching goal is to minimise negative environmental impacts and achieve continuous improvements.
Wiha has the following certifications:
ISO 14001: Environmental management system that helps us to systematically reduce our environmental impact and continuously improve our environmental performance.
Download ISO 14001
ISO 50001: (hier bitte link zum Dokument): Energy management system to optimise our energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Download ISO 50001
ISO 9001: (here please link to the document): Quality management system that ensures that our products and processes meet the highest quality standards.
Download ISO 9001
Ethical behaviour, protection of human rights and the environment in our supply chain
To ensure our standards throughout the supply chain, we have introduced a Business Partner Code. This code obliges all our business partners to uphold the values of responsibility, respect and integrity and to comply with all relevant national and international laws. The code covers key topics such as anti-corruption, competitive behaviour, environmental protection and respect for human rights. We expect our business partners to comply with these requirements in order to make a positive contribution to society and the environment. The Business Partner Code, further details on our requirements, the detailed terms and conditions of purchase and a declaration on REACH, RoHS and conflict materials can be found on the Wiha Purchasing page.
Whistleblower system & complaints process
Wiha has established a structured whistleblower system to promote a corporate culture of integrity and compliance with the law. It enables employees, business partners, service providers and other stakeholders to report possible violations - e.g. of laws, ethical standards or internal rules - securely, confidentially and anonymously. For quick and easy reporting, an online form is available directly below this text, which enables completely anonymous transmission. All reports will be treated strictly confidential. Individuals who report concerns in good faith are explicitly protected from retaliation, discrimination, or any form of disadvantage – regardless of whether the reported suspicion is ultimately confirmed or not. This protection applies equally to all whistleblowers, whether internal or external, anonymous or named. Any attempt to intimidate, pressure, or retaliate against someone for submitting a report will not be tolerated by Wiha and may result in disciplinary or legal consequences.Complaints can relate to very different topics, e.g:
- Discrimination or sexual harassment,
- Violations of labour protection or human rights,
- Suspected cases of corruption, child labour or forced labour,
- unfair behaviour, data protection violations or other breaches of the law.
In addition to disciplinary and, if necessary, legal measures, Wiha focuses on prevention and sustainable improvements - e.g. through training, targeted process adjustments or external support.
Wiha complaints process
At Wiha, reports are handled according to a clearly defined, multi-stage process:
- Receipt of the report
The report is received, for example, via the Wiha whistleblower email account compliance@wiha.com, audits, or via employees and their respective superiors in the company
Documentation of receipt - Assignment
Thematic categorisation in the company or supply chain area by the Wiha Compliance Team
Clarification of initial solution approaches
Estimation of the processing time - Confirmation
Information to the complainant about the receipt of the complaint and the expected processing time - Clarification of the facts of the case
Clarification by the compliance team and, if necessary, contact persons in the company and within the supply chain for the complaint, including remedy and proposed solution - Conflict resolution & implementation
If necessary, cooperative development of a solution in co-operation with the complainant Implementation of the solution - 6. Conclusion, review and impact measurement
Clarification of further complaints or concerns and conclusion of the complaints process
Documentation of the complaints process
Inclusion of the facts of the complaint in the regular monitoring and review processes.
Further information and official complaints office of the European Commission EU-Whistleblower Communication Tool