Code of Ethics

Purchasing managers shall not use their authority or office for personal gain and shall seek to uphold and enhance the standing of the purchasing and procurement profession:

Guidance

In applying these principles, members should follow the guidance set out below:

  1.     Enhancing the proficiency and status of the profession by acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge and developing necessary skills;
  2.     Optimizing and maximizing the use of resources for which they are responsible in order to provide the maximum value to their employers;
  3.     Maintaining a spotless standard of integrity in all their business relationships both inside and outside the organizations in which they are employed;
  4.     Promoting the highest standards of professional competence amongst those for whom they are responsible;
  5.     Rejecting and denouncing any business practice that is improper;
  6.     Respecting the confidentiality of the business information received and not using it for personal gain;
  7.     Avoiding to provide misleading or inaccurate information;
  8.     Avoiding any arrangements which might, in the long term, prevent the effective operation of fair competition, including the advantages of maintaining a continuing relationship with a supplier;
  9.     Discouraging business gifts. Gifts, other than items of very small intrinsic value should not be accepted.
Association for International Procurement Technology and Standards