Inter IKEA

Group code
of conduct
Inter IKEA
Group code
of conduct
overview
Good Business Human rights
business with integrity and working
common environment
sense

Our values 4 Fair and Equal

honest relations opportunities 9
Why a code 5 with business
partners 6 Good working
Inter IKEA environment 9
Group code of Zero tolerance
conduct 5 towards Harassment is
corruption 6 not tolerated 9

Avoid conflicts Right of

of interest 6 association 10

Political No forced
neutrality 8 labour
or child labour 10

Alcohol and drug

abuse is never
acceptable 10

2 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Environmental Protection of We comply
sustainability assets and with the Code
confidential and the law
information

Work actively 11 Protect assets 12 Use common

sense 14
Efficient use 11 Proper use
of assets 12 Raise concerns
Good for the early 15
environment and Protect
business 11 intellectual We lead by
property 12 example 15

Protect
confidential
information 13

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 3

 Good
business
with
common
sense
The Inter IKEA Group way of doing
business is based on our values and
culture.

Our values:
• Togetherness
• Caring for people and planet
• Cost-consciousness
• Simplicity
• Renew and improve
• Different with a meaning
• Give and take responsibility
• Lead by example

4 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Why Inter IKEA Group
a code code of conduct
When we represent IKEA we are This code applies to all co-workers
guided by the IKEA vision, business of Inter IKEA Holding B.V. and its
idea and our culture and values. The subsidiaries. The use of the term
vision inspires us to “create a better “Inter IKEA Group” throughout this
everyday life for the many people”. document refers collectively to all of
Our business idea sets a clear path to these companies. The term “Code”
deliver to this vision. And the culture refers solely to the Inter IKEA Group
and values define who we are, what code of conduct that you are now
we stand for and how we behave. reading.

With this in mind, we expect a lot This code of conduct (having an

from ourselves. Our work is based on effective date of 1 September 2016)
common sense, honesty, openness, has been adopted by the Supervisory
respect and integrity. Our colleagues, Board of Inter IKEA Holding B.V. and
customers, business partners and may only be amended by such a
society share these expectations. We supervisory board.
aim to do good business by exceeding
them. This code of conduct helps us
do that. Based on our culture and
values, it states the behavior that we
all will follow!

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 5

Business
integrity
Fair and honest Zero tolerance
relations with towards corruption
business partners Trust, respect, integrity and honesty
are essential to Inter IKEA Group. Any
The way we deal with our business
type of corruption is contradictory to
partners shall be characterised
the objective of doing good business.
by honesty, respect, fairness and
We have zero tolerance towards
integrity.
corruption in any form.

Inter IKEA Group companies shall

comply with the laws and regulations
in all jurisdictions where we do Avoid conflicts
business.
of interest
We shall not offer or accept from
Within Inter IKEA Group we shall
customers and other business
always make business decisions based
partners, official institutions, or
on what is in the best interest of the
representatives of such entities any
Group and the companies within
rewards or benefits that violate any
the Group. Decisions shall never be
applicable laws or this Code.
based on personal considerations or
relationships.
We will ensure that our business
partners (franchisees, suppliers,
A conflict of interest arises when
customers, and sub-contractors, etc.),
anything interferes with or influences
as well as companies in which we
the exercise of a co-worker’s
directly invest, are aware of our Code
independent judgement in the best
and our values.
interest of Inter IKEA Group. We must
avoid situations in which our personal
interests may conflict with, or even
appear to conflict with, the interests of
the Group.

6 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Situations we must divert time and attention away from
our personal work responsibilities or
be aware of require work during company time.

Assessing whether there is a conflict Board memberships and other

of interest is sometimes difficult. If in outside affiliations:
any doubt, always be transparent and Any service on a board of directors
ask your manager. If a clear conflict or similar body of any enterprise or
of interest as described below should institution is not permitted if it creates
arise, it must be reported immediately a conflict of interest. All outside
to your manager. professional service must be approved
by your manager and shall follow the
The following are some types grandfather principle.
of situations that we have to be
particularly aware of: Gifts, benefits, reimbursements:
No co-worker may offer or accept
Business opportunities: gifts, benefits, reimbursements to
None of us may take business or from a third party that would
opportunities for ourselves, which may constitute a violation of this Code or
arise during the course of our duties relevant laws.
for Inter IKEA Group, if this could be
contrary to the interests of the Group. Cash payment gifts and others like
Nor may any of us use company personal loans or guarantees of such
property or information for any type of obligations, whether of large or small
personal gain. If in doubt, always ask amounts, could be regarded as bribes
your manager. and may not be accepted under any
circumstances.
Other employment:
Any employment outside of Inter IKEA Offers of this nature must be politely,
Group, with or without compensation, but firmly declined or immediately
must not influence a co-worker’s job returned to the sender if delivered
performance. We may not engage without prior notice and to be reported
in outside business interests that to your manager.

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 7

This also applies to any situation Lavish meals and inappropriate
that could affect, or appear to affect, entertainment should be firmly but
the professional judgment in the politely declined. Taking care of the
performance of the respective work guest is the main theme here, and we
or duties for the company or a third show our respect, humbleness and
party. cost consciousness to our business
partner.
However, we recognise that the
acceptance of small advertising Personal relationships:
or promotional items, with no All of us working at Inter IKEA
commercial value as well as modest Group must be observant to any
hospitality and events may be a conflict of interest if there is a family
legitimate contribution to building member, relative, or close friend
good business relationship. If you are involved. This is applicable within
in doubt, always ask your manager. the Group as well as other business
relations.
Bribes, kickbacks and similar:
We may not, directly or indirectly,
demand or accept, offer or give any
kind of bribe, kickback, unauthorised
Political neutrality
loan or any other unlawful or unethical
Inter IKEA Group observes neutrality
benefit when conducting business for
with regard to political parties and
Inter IKEA Group.
candidates. Company names or
assets related to companies within the
Business meals and
Group shall not be used to promote
entertainment
nor discredit the interests of political
The giving and receiving of reasonable
parties or candidates.
and customary meals in the normal
course of business is permitted.

8 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Human rights
and working
environment

Equal opportunities Good working

Inter IKEA Group respects environment
fundamental human rights. We
We always want to provide a good
recognise our responsibility to observe
working environment. We are also
those rights that apply to our activities
committed to providing the conditions
involving our co-workers and the
for a safe and healthy working
communities in which we work and
environment for all of us who work
live.
in Inter IKEA Group. We must all be
proactive when it comes to protecting
We hire and treat our co-workers in
health and the working environment.
a manner that does not discriminate
with regards to gender, race, religion,
age, disability, sexual orientation,
nationality, political opinion, union Harassment
affiliation, social or ethnic origin.
is not tolerated
No form of harassment is tolerated
within Inter IKEA Group or when
conducting business for any company
within the Group. This includes,
but is not limited to, intimidation,
discrimination, sexual, racial or
otherwise, as well as acts or threats of
violence.

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 9

Right of association Alcohol and drug
We at Inter IKEA Group respect
abuse is never
every co-worker’s right to freedom acceptable
of association and preference within
the institutional and recognised co- We do not tolerate or allow alcohol
worker associations. We respect the abuse or the use/distribution of
rights of co-workers to join, form, or illegal drugs on any Inter IKEA Group
not to join, a co-worker association premises.
of her or his choice without fear of
reprisal, interference, intimidation or No one may work under the influence
harassment. of alcohol or any substance that
prevents co-workers from performing
their work duties safely and effectively.
No forced labour
or child labour
No form of forced, compulsory or child
labour is tolerated.

10 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Environmental
sustainability

Work actively Good for the

We actively work toward
environment and
environmental sustainability and business
making the best possible use of
resources. Every co-worker has a role When we use or buy equipment,
to play in living up to this commitment materials, utilities and services we
in our daily work. Furthermore, strive to choose the option that is best
our managers and leaders have a for the environment from a long-term
special responsibility to ensure this perspective.
commitment is actively adhered to
and clearly communicated.

Efficient use
Inter IKEA Group strives to perform
its business in such a way that energy,
water and raw materials are used
efficiently, and waste and residual
products are minimised.

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 11

Protection of assets
and confidential
information

Protect assets the relevant manager, or by directives

or local company rules.
The IKEA Concept, which includes the
IKEA trademarks, is our most valuable
asset. All of us must always support Protect intellectual
and protect the IKEA Concept.
property
Inter IKEA Group also has a wide
Intellectual property, i.e. trademarks
variety of other assets, such as
and know-how, owned by Inter IKEA
real estate, financial investments,
Systems B.V. or any other company
confidential information, copyrights
within Inter IKEA Group is an assest
and intellectual property. We are all
of utmost value and must be treated
responsible for protecting company
with appropriate care.
assets, and must report any loss, or
risk of loss, to our nearest manager.
Co-workers must follow and, in cases
of doubt, always seek instructions

Proper use of assets from the relevant legal department

within the Group on how to protect
our intellectual property.
Our tools, such as, but not limited
to, office equipment, IT systems,
Intellectual property created by a
software and other assets, shall only
co-worker is transferred and assigned
be used for conducting Inter IKEA
to the relevant company within Inter
Group business. Other uses or other
IKEA Group by law and/or her or his
related purposes can be authorised by
employment contract.

12 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

All of us can assist by reporting Such information may be financial
suspected IKEA trademark information, business plans,
infringements, and other intellectual supplier classification, IKEA Concept
property infringements related to the know-hows, technical information,
IKEA Concept, at any time to Inter benchmarks on value chain,
IKEA Systems B.V. at: information about co-workers and/
legal.affairs@inter-IKEA.com. or customers, and other types of
sensitive knowledge.

In relations with our suppliers and

Protect confidential business partners, you can also come

information across confidential information and

knowledge about their businesses.

IKEA’ business and operational

Everyone working within Inter IKEA
information is a valuable asset in
Group who has access to such assets
our highly competitive business
or confidential information must act
environment, therefore it is our vital
in accordance with the employment
interest to protect this information.
contract, the contract with the
Any Inter IKEA Group co-worker who
applicable supplier or business partner,
has access to confidential information
relevant laws as well as the policies
owned by Inter IKEA Group as well
and rules within the Group.
as information owned by third parties
shall safeguard this information at all
times. Any unauthorized disclosure
may harm the Group or third parties.

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 13

We comply
with the Code
and the law

All of us working for Inter IKEA Group • Is it consistent

are subject to laws and regulations with our Code?
in many countries and jurisdictions • Is it ethical?
around the world. We refer to this • Is it legal?
set of relevant requirements as “the • Will it reflect well on
law” in our Code. We are expected to the IKEA Brand?
comply with the law and the Code. In • Are we willing to stand up for our
the unlikely event that the Code is in behaviour publicly?
conflict with the law, the law always
prevails over the Code. If the Code If the answer is “no” to any of these
stipulates higher demands than the questions, do not do it. Whenever you
law, the Code prevails. Each of us are uncertain, always be transparent
must understand the Code and take and ask your manager for guidance.
responsibility for complying with the
Code and the law. Inter IKEA Group strives to have
an open culture of inclusiveness. All
of us are encouraged and should

Use common sense feel empowered to come forward to

discuss ideas, improvements, different
views and, in good faith, also raise
We must always use our sound
concerns we might have.
judgement and our common sense.
In the course of your daily work, you
In order to sustain an open culture
may face difficult situations.
of inclusiveness and honesty, our
way is to be transparent and discuss
If you are in doubt about any of
or report to one of our nearest
your actions, simply ask yourself the
managers, or, if needed, any higher
following questions:
level manager, so that any matter can
be dealt with in a straightforward way.

14 Inter IKEA Group code of conduct

Raise concerns early There may also be some rare
situations when a co-worker feels
uncomfortable to address an issue
For us at Inter IKEA Group, it is all
personally. That’s why we also have
about doing good business with
an Inter IKEA Group Raising Concern
common sense, based on honesty,
Line.
respect, fairness and integrity. To
support and ensure that all of us live
up to these expectations, we have
supplemented our values with the We lead by example
Inter IKEA Group code of conduct.
It is the responsibility of all
Each of us could potentially find managers within Inter IKEA Group
ourselves in a situation where we are to communicate and demonstrate
uncertain or have concerns. We should the content as well as the spirit of
feel encouraged and empowered this document in their organisations.
to come forward to discuss ideas, All managers must ensure that the
dilemmas, issues, improvements, co-workers they lead understand their
different views and, in good faith, also responsibilities under the Code. All co-
raise concerns we might have. workers have an active duty to ensure
their behaviour supports compliance
It’s always best to address a situation to, and the spirit of, the Code.
or issue in a plain, straightforward
manner directly with the person
involved. But we also recognize that
there might be situations when a co-
worker might feel uncomfortable doing
that. You should then talk to one of
your nearest managers, or, if needed,
any higher level manager.

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016 15

Inter IKEA

© Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 2016

Group code
of conduct