Worldwide Codes & Standards

From our Vision and Values, we have formulated globally binding behavioral rules which are specified in a series of codes and standards. They create a common value system that connects the Henkel employees worldwide and provides guidance for their daily behavior and actions.

Together, the Codes and standards are the basis for Henkel’s implementation of the United Nations’ Global Compact initiative. They apply to all our sites worldwide. We carry out regular audits to ensure that our standards are properly implemented. Find here more information about our codes and standards.


Codes & Standards



Clearly communicated requirements
Henkel operates in a variety of markets and regions with diverse legal systems, social standards and customs. The offering and acceptance of personal advantages, for example, is looked upon very differently from region to region. To establish a uniform understanding of our corporate values and behavioral rules among our employees, our human resources and communications departments in the different countries have developed appropriate training and communication activities. Training focuses mainly on safety, environment and health matters, as well as on antitrust laws and on fighting corruption.

In the USA, for example, all new employees must participate in an interactive online training course on the Code of Conduct. Compliance issues are addressed in depth as early as the official welcoming seminar for new managers. They are also an integral part of all seminars of the Henkel Global Academy. Regular training courses organized by the Corporate Internal Audit department familiarize our top managers with Henkel’s corporate standards. Newsletters for special target groups and articles in employee newspapers make a further contribution to knowledge transfer in this area. We also make increasing use of e-Learning to cover a wide range of themes and simulate everyday decision-making situations. 100 percent of our top managers completed the new compliance e-Training course in 2010. Furthermore, since 2009, every manager has to confirm, as part of the target achievement discussions, that he or she has complied with all applicable standards and legislation.

Global Compact

Henkel supports the goals of the UN Global Compact.

More information

henkel.com/sustainability