Our policy at Umicore is to refrain from purchasing, storing, or distributing branded gifts, goodies, or giveaways. However, we have identified specific categories and exceptions to this policy in certain situations.
Branded gifts (Giveaways)
- Such items are often thrown away shortly and have a minimum impact on our brand image. Especially, if the gifts are cheap or of poor quality, that can even detract from brand image
- Please consult Group Communications
Gifts for special occasions
- They are bought on a single item basis and presented personally (for example social obligation when visiting an Asian customer)
- Handled by sales managers if needed
Top range gifts for high-level customers
- They are generally considered as potential proof of corruption. Most companies limit the value of gifts that can be received from €15 to €150. Most countries consider that such gifts are taxable at values over €150
- Excluded by ethical values explained in The Umicore Way
Exceptions / Remarks
- Courtesy gifts by commercial teams are part of their approach. Those are subject to Umicore Way rules on ethics
- Sponsorship programs are not gifts
- Clothing & uniforms are not considered as gifts for our own staff
- We occasionally allow branded clothing for sponsored events
- Branded stationery for office use must not be considered as a giveaway. Requests for branded headed notepaper, pens, etc. need to be ordered as stationery material
- An event may have a branded giveaway related to the event (for example recruitment fairs). These can be purchased as a “one shot” for the event with no storage. However, such a purchase must be justifiable in the context of the overall decision to have no Umicore gifts
- One-shot year-end promotional gifts can be considered on an ad hoc basis. Nevertheless, such a purchase must be justifiable in the context of the overall decision to have no Umicore gifts
If you order anything for an exceptional case please inform Group Communications to check the layout on branding coherency. Additionally, all purchased materials should follow the Umicore Way and the Umicore Code of Conduct. They should be ordered through Purchasing & Transportation (P&T) or the local procurement team.