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THE ADS Third Party Code of Conduct

Purpose
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (“ADS”) is committed to conducting business fairly, honorably, with integrity, and in compliance with all applicable laws at all times. We have developed this Third-Party Code of Conduct to explain how our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Global Anticorruption Policy relate to those our Third Parties1 who assist us in conducting our business worldwide.

The laws of most every country in the world outlaw bribery. These laws are broadly worded and make the payment, offer of a payment, or receipt of a bribe, kickback or other corrupt payment a crime that can have severe civil and criminal consequences for ADS and its employees as individuals. Many laws specifically prohibit bribery of government officials, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA").

Other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and India, have recently enacted laws that prohibit bribery of both government officials and non-governmental parties. Countries are increasingly enforcing these laws despite what was “customary” in the past.

Scope
This Third Party Code of Conduct does not replace our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or our Global Anticorruption Policy, available on ADS’ website. It provides an overview of our requirements for working with us. This Third Party Code of Conduct applies to every Third Party working on our behalf. We expect our Third Parties to adhere to the requirements of this Code and if a Third Party violates it or applicable laws, we will review that Third Party and take appropriate action, such as terminating our relationship within our contractual rights and applicable law.

Our Expectations of You
We expect you to conduct business done on our behalf in an ethical manner that is compliant with all applicable laws and our internal policies and procedures. Our specific expectations of you are based on the requirements in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Global Anticorruption Policy.
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1The term “Third Party” includes distributors, sales agents, dealers, joint venture partners, agents, customs clearance agents, consultants, and any other person acting for or on behalf of ADS.

Our expectations are based on the following principles;

Consider these expectations before you make a decision or take any actions on our behalf - and seek guidance from your ADS contact before you take any action you think may violate them. The expectations below summarize the requirements of ADS’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Global Anticorruption Policy.

Fair Dealing
ADS expects its Third Party business partners to compete in the marketplace in a fair and honest manner, gaining competitive advantages through superior performance and execution, rather than through unethical or illegal practices

No Bribery or Corruption of Any Kind
Bribery, in any form or context, to anyone, anywhere in the world is prohibited.

This prohibition applies:

ADS strictly prohibits bribery and corruption by its own employees and we hold our Third Parties to this same high standard. No Third Party will be penalized for any delay or loss of business resulting from a refusal to make a corrupt payment.

It is never okay to corruptly provide, either directly or indirectly, anything of value to any other party for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or preferential treatment for ADS or anyone else. This prohibition also applies to payments that agents, representatives or other business partners may make on your behalf. It is ADS’ strict policy not to make any payment that violates applicable law, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and we expect our Third Parties to ensure that they do not take any actions that could be considered a violation of any anti-corruption law. If you are contemplating a transaction that may even appear to be improper, you should consult with your ADS contact who will provide guidance.

What is prohibited: what is a bribe?
The idea of a bribe is construed very broadly under anti-corruption laws. It includes an offer, promise, payment, or gift (including the authorization of an offer, promise, payment, or gift) of not only money but “anything of value,” including, but not limited to, gifts, stored-value cards, gift certificates, meals, entertainment (for example, concert, theater, sports, or other events), lodging, tuition, job offers, charitable donations, and travel in exchange for an improper business advantage.

Once a commitment to make an illegal payment or gift has been made, a violation has occurred. The offer does not have to be accepted, and the money or gift does not have to change hands. The offered “bribe” also need not succeed in its purpose.

Indirect “payments” also suffice. For example, promising to construct a building in a Government Official’s honor or contribute toward her favorite charity, even if the building is never built or the contribution never made, would be a promise of payment, and a violation.

A kickback is a particular kind of bribe. It is the unethical or illegal return of part of a payment already made as part of a legitimate business transaction. For example, an unethical supplier might agree to pay a purchasing manager some amount of money in exchange for the award of a supply contract by that manager.

What is not prohibited: what is not a bribe?

Expenditures for modest, reasonable and bona fide (i.e. promotional) gifts, meals or entertainment incurred by, or for the benefit of, a Government Official or other business person are allowed as long as such expenditures directly relate to the promotion, demonstration or explanation of a company’s products or services.

In general, the more lavish the gifts, meals or entertainment the more likely that it would be interpreted as a bribe. Lavish gifts can come in the form of a single, large expenditure or the cumulative amount of a number of smaller expenditures.

Take Extra Precautions in Relationships with Governments

You may deal with government officials in the course of conducting business with ADS. All interactions with Government Officials while on ADS business must be professional and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Anti-corruption policies tend to focus on transactions with Government Officials because they are higher risk. For this reason it is important for you to recognize who a Government Official is so that you can take extra precautions when interacting with a Government Official.

A “Government Official” includes:

Any payment of cash, property, or services that is, or could reasonably be interpreted as, a bribe, kickback, or improper gift is strictly prohibited. Please seek further guidance from your ADS contact in managing your relationships with Government Officials and entities.

Compliance with Trade Sanctions and Export Controls
ADS complies with all relevant trade sanctions and export control laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. As such, we expect our business partners will also comply with these regulations and will not sell, export, transfer, or facilitate any transaction that provides ADS products to any region or country subject to an embargo or to any entity identified on a restricted list (such as OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List). 

Support Human Rights
ADS is committed to supporting and respecting universal human rights. ADS expects its business partners will share these values and comply with all legal requirements and recognize relevant international rights standards. As such, business partners should ensure they are not complicit in human rights violations, including but not limited to forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
ADS takes its responsibility to comply with all laws, rules and regulations affecting our business very seriously and expects you, as our business partner, to do the same. We expect you to respect and obey the laws of the cities, states, and countries where you do business and take the time to familiarize yourself with those requirements.

Maintain Accurate Books and Records
Our Third Parties should not make deliberate misrepresentations regarding ADS or our business operations, and should not create any false or misleading entry in books and records related to ADS business.

Avoid Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of ADS or your company. Conflicts of interest include the improper use of information or position for personal gain or competition with ADS.

Protect Confidential Information 
Our Third Parties must maintain the integrity of confidential information and ensure that such information is used only for intended purposes. This includes information provided by ADS or by customers and others related to our business, which is competitively sensitive and not generally known to the public.

Reporting any Illegal or Unethical Behavior

If you become aware of any illegal or unethical behavior or believe that an applicable law, rule, or regulation has been violated, you should promptly report the matter to ADS. You may contact:

 

Last Updated: 2/28/2023
Last Reviewed: 2/28/2023

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