All parties in the supply chain are compelled to adhere to Anti-Corruption Legislation
No one in the supply chain is allowed to offer, pay or receive bribes
Most vendor’s require that anyone in the supply chain, including distributors, resellers and third parties, adhere to the following legislation (asaminimum):
United States Foreign Corruption Practices Act(FCPA);
United Kingdom Anti-Bribery Act;
South African Prevention And Combating Of Corrupt Activities Act,2003.
Why?
1. Anti-corruption laws govern requirements for companies around bribery and corruption;
2. Vendors are compelled by law to comply with this legislation;
3. Vendors are obliged to ensure that everybody in the supply chain including distributors and resellers of their products adhere to these laws, irrespective of the territory in which their products are sold
What is it?
2. Bribery and payments include cash, travel expenses, entertainment, additional side agreements, commissions or even sponsorships or contributions to organisations etc.;
3. You cannot ignore what is done by third parties in the supply chain as you area lsoliable;
4. “I did not know” is not an excuse;
5. Reason able gifts or entertainment may be offered; and
6.Laws prohibit distributors, resellers and third parties or their agents are to sell goods to countrieson banned countries list.
What can Happen?
2. Imprisonment; and
3. Hefty penalties or fines imposed on all parties in the supply chain
Next Steps
1. Please familiarise yourself with the requirements of anti-corruption legislation; Vendors’ websites carry information or even training programmes;
2. Understand the parties that you are involved with;
3. Do proper due diligence on third parties before dealing with them;
4. Be aware of possible red Flags and trust your instincts; and
5.You are required to ensure that your customers/resellers and agents are familiar with the requirements covering anti-corruption, andare properly trained on the topic.