With membership comes responsibility and accountability. Our industry operates within a diverse and multi-disciplined landscape that must adhere to legal and ethical guidelines. To uphold the standards expected of BPMA members, this Code of Conduct reinforces the Association’s commitment to quality and integrity throughout the value chain. The Code is not subject to reinterpretation or alteration.
All BPMA members are required to comply with the following:
- Members must present their products and services fairly and transparently, avoiding deceptive, misleading, or unethical practices. This applies to all supply-chain partners and contractors.
- Members must not disparage fellow members under any circumstances or in any format. Concerns or queries should be directed to the BPMA Secretariat in the first instance.
- Members must always conduct their business in a way that upholds the reputation of the Association and the promotional merchandise industry as a whole.
- Members must adhere to rulings by the Advertising Standards Authority, the Committee of Advertising Practice, and all other relevant regulatory bodies endorsed by the BPMA.
- Members must ensure that all products and services comply with applicable legislative requirements, including safety laws, regulations, and guidelines in all relevant markets. Non-compliance is considered indefensible under this Code.
- Members are responsible for the conduct of their supply-chain partners and contractors, ensuring compliance with legal and social guidelines. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Product Safety
- Working Environment/Conditions
- Environmental Issues
- Hours of Work/Wages
- Prevention of Labour/Child Labour Abuse
- Non-Discrimination
- Freedom of Association
- Members must respect and protect the confidentiality of any sensitive information encountered during their work. While legal processes govern breaches of confidentiality, members are encouraged to raise concerns with the Secretariat initially.
- Members must comply with decisions made by the BPMA Board or any of its committees. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action, including removal of membership.
- Members must recognise that payment within agreed terms is fundamental to good trading practices. Consistent failure to honour payment terms may result in membership revocation, which the member must fully accept and support.
The BPMA Board of Directors is empowered to enforce this Code of Conduct, investigate complaints against members, and take appropriate action. The BPMA expects members to act responsibly, ethically, and competitively, ensuring transparency and integrity in all trading activities.