To Our Valued External Business Partners:
Over the years, The Procter & Gamble Company and its subsidiaries have placed significant emphasis on the importance of unsurpassed relationships with our external business partners. These relationships could not have been developed without open communication and collaboration between P&G and our partners. We believe these relationships are most effective when our external business partners clearly understand the Purpose, Values, and Principles which guide P&G people in the conduct of business.
This letter is intended as a reminder of a few P&G expectations regarding Business Gifts and Entertainment that are relevant for this time of year. So you are aware, a full listing of expectations relevant to suppliers is always available at pgsupplier.com/guidelines.
Business Gifts
P&G directs all employees not to accept gifts from our external business partners. We have a long-standing request that our partners not offer gifts to any employee. This applies to gifts of any value, even promotional and marketing-type gifts. We ask for your help in meeting our commitment by not sending any gifts to P&G employees and by sharing this expectation throughout your organization.
Business Entertainment
Similarly, external business partners are asked not to offer entertainment (theater, sporting events, fishing trips, etc.) to our employees. P&G employees are informed that accepting entertainment may not be conducive to discussing business or building business relationships in a way that an office meeting could not.
Business Meals
Existing external business partners providing meals to P&G employes is permissible only if the purpose of the meals is to discuss business or build relationships. P&G expects to host our share of these meals paid over time.
Anti-Bribery
We would also like to remind our partners of our commitment to fighting corruption worldwide. P&G employees, and external business partners acting on our behalf, must not seek to improperly influence the behavior of someone in business or government. P&G also prohibits “facilitation” or “grease” payments. These are small, unofficial payments made to government officials that prompt or expedite routine tasks, such as clearing goods through customs, obtaining a travel visa, or connecting utilities. Our guidelines website includes a copy of our anti-bribery expectations.
We expect you to demonstrate the same commitment to governance and stewardship with comparable high standards, ensuring compliance with contract terms, applicable law, and ethical business practices.
Thank you for your attention to this reminder.
All of us at P&G wish you a joyous, productive and profitable holiday season!
Best regards,
Chief Purchasing Officer
The Procter and Gamble Company