Guidelines for competent management

Guidelines on compliance with global trade regulations

Through its corporate guidelines on compliance with global trade regulations and the internal management system based on them, Evonik ensures that the applicable trade controls are observed. This ensures support for worldwide efforts to prevent the manufacture and proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and delivery technologies for such weapons.

The internal trade compliance organization comprises a central department responsible for trade compliance throughout the Group, a special IT system and a global network of around 80 trade compliance officers, who are direct contact points in the operating units. Their role is to provide on-site support for employees and act as the extended arm of the central Trade Compliance department.

Acquisitions and divestments

The due diligence performed when acquiring companies or business operations looks at environmental and social aspects as well as profitability, growth and the attractiveness of markets. When divesting operations, job security for the employees affected is one of the criteria used to select the new owner. ESH aspects are also taken into account when making investments.

IT compliance and IT security

Evonik has a network of some 30,000 computers, so employees throughout the Group can communicate with each other quickly and easily. That is a key advantage in the global marketplace because today’s business processes would be unthinkable without modern information technologies. To minimize risks that could impair the operation of a modern business, the Executive Board has issued technical security standards for IT and IT compliance regulations.

Evonik’s procedures are based on customary international IT compliance and security standards. Especial attention is paid to involving employees. A differentiated program that takes account of working conditions and communication within the company is used to sharpen employees’ awareness of correct use of IT systems and symptoms and conditions for IT incidents. A combination of training and individual advice increases employees’ understanding of standards and requirements. Ongoing education and training is provided to broaden their knowledge of this field.