Code of Conduct of Stichting RUUV

Introduction

Stichting RUUV is a foundation and focuses primarily on product suppliers with the need to freely trade innovative fire protection products that are not covered by a harmonized EN standard in Europe.
Stichting RUUV guides the process for CE marking through the EOTA scheme. This through a ‘European Technical Assessment’ (ETA) for ‘Fixed fire protection products’ (product area code 10) commissioned by the suppliers and/or manufacturers of these products.

Stichting RUUV is an active participant in the ‘European Organization for Technical Assessment Bodies’ (EOTA). EOTA is the European association of technical assessment bodies for construction products, established under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). Within EOTA, Stichting
RUUV is part of an organization with the following common tasks:

• Making ETAs and EADs (‘European Assessment Document’) publicly available. The combination of an EAD and an ETA allows manufacturers to obtain CE marking on products for which a harmonized test standard (hEN) does not yet exist.
• Consulting with other Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs) and sharing information from this organization with other interested parties at European Member State level.
• Mutual exchange of information and improvement of services for the benefit of the industry.
• Developing new EADs.
• Mutually guaranteeing quality and, if necessary, informing the European Commission about it.

The value that Stichting RUUV provides and expects from their clients is trust. For this reason, Stichting RUUV has chosen to adopt and implement a Code of Conduct.

Stichting RUUV is a member of EOTA and this Code of Conduct is based on the requirements in the compliance framework of the EOTA’s Code of Conduct. EOTA is a non-profit organization based in Brussels (Belgium). EOTA provides the framework for the European Technical Assessment (ETA) of construction products to ensure consistent product performance information throughout Europe.
The EOTA network is the only pla;orm which allows European manufacturers of innovative or nonstandard construction products to bring their products to the European market with CE marking.

As a member of EOTA, Stichting RUUV owes a duty to the community, its business partners, subcontractors and stakeholders. Stichting RUUV representatives will use their best endeavor to observe and practice this code as follows:

1. Public interest
   In supporting safe and innovative building products, Stichting RUUV are providing services which are interesting for fixed fire protection products manufacturers, consultants, architects, designers, contractors, owners and users.
   
2. Law and regulations
   Since Stichting RUUV is working with all due respect to statutory law, rules and regulations, we are able to promote to such laws, regulation and other provisions.
3. Competition
   As a EOTA member, Stichting RUUV is exposed to competition. Stichting RUUV however will not participate in agreements with competitors with the following purposes or effects: price-fixing, dividing a market, limiting the extent of their work or boycotting a client.
4. Impartiality
   As EOTA member, Stichting RUUV are performing their work in an impartial and neutral manner. We will always take into account the rights, obligations and the legitimate interest of all involved and interested parties. Stichting RUUV does avoid any form of discrimination based inter alia on the sex, supposed race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, birth, fortune, age, religion or belief, the current or future state of health, disability or a physical property.
5. Integrity of service
   All the services offered by Stichting RUUV are provided for in a professional and independent manner, honestly and in accordance with procedure foreseen. Stichting RUUV representatives do not surrender to any pressure exerted in order to obtain preferential treatment.
   All findings and results are accurately documented and not be improperly changed. Assessment texts and evaluation reports specify these results and findings. The results of discussions in commissions are taken into account in a balanced and correct way.
   
6. Conflict of interest
   Conflicts of interest indicates a situation where a person also severs other interest (personal or those of close relatives, or people with whom a close personal or business contact exists), leading to a definite influence on the activities of the person involved, such that the integrity, impartiality and/or objectivity is compromised. Conflicts of interest will always be eliminated as they may affect the reputation and credibility of Stichting RUUV and the ETA’s issued. Relevant examples are:

   – taking personal advantage of a business opportunity
   – accepting, directly or indirectly, any personal benefit for the provision of the services providing, except for socially acceptable giEs and hospitality
   – taking a financial interest in a client of competitor
   – the holding of an office or having any position with a competitor or a client.

7. Confidentiality
   Stichting RUUV owes a duty to their members, clients, representatives and stakeholders to protect any confidential / privileged information entrusted upon them. They do not divulge or disclose any such information to a third party without prior consent.
8. Respect to intellectual property
   Stichting RUUV afford full respect to proprietary intellectual property and refrain from using any ideas, documents, tools and services without proper authorization.
9. Competence and best ability
   Stichting RUUV only undertake professional obligations commensurate with their abilities and competence level and discharge their professional obligations and responsibilities to the best of their abilities and diligence.
10. Relationships with consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers
    Stichting RUUV deals with their consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers in a professional, fair and ethical manner.
11. Safety and training
    Stichting RUUV provides a safe and healthy working place for their members, representatives and workforce and does encourage continuous professional development and skill enhancement.
12. Community and environment
    In the course of developing and materializing business, Stichting RUUV seeks to protect public interest and safety. Stichting RUUV also seeks to minimize public nuisance, maximize general safety measure and be sensitive to the protection of our environment.
13. Delegation of duties
    Stichting RUUV ensures that their members and those to whom work will be delegated, understand the above ethical requirements and encourage them to comply with these requirements.
14. Good administrative behavior
    Since its start in 2013 Stichting RUUV has not been involved in any court cases or administrative procedures against it.

Revision date: 11-09-2024