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Supplier Code of Conduct

AGREEMENT

Taking into account that in accordance with the Order of the General Director of UZBAT JV JSC (hereinafter referred to as "UZBAT") the Procedure on risk management in relation to Third Parties in financial crimes and the Supplier Code of Conduct, defining the basic provisions of good faith behavior of both UZBAT employees and all UZBAT business partners and their employees (hereinafter referred to as "Company") were approved,

The parties to this Agreement represented by UZBAT and the Company have agreed as follows:

The Company agrees to implement UZBAT's current Supplier Code of Conduct as set forth below and to ensure that all officers and employees of the Company comply with such Supplier Code of Conduct.

Third Party will Comply with applicable laws, including any such laws relating to bribery, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing, illicit trade and/or tax evasion (including its facilitation) (including without limitation the UK Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977, the UK Criminal Finances Act 2017, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and any applicable local laws (including local taxation laws).

Hereby the Company irrevocably agrees and confirms that it will take all legally significant actions available to it to prevent imposition of liability on UZBAT, and/or claims to UZBAT from third parties, including state bodies, arising from bad faith actions/inaction of the Company, including in case of non-performance by the Company of the terms of this Agreement. Besides, the Company shall be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages (including loss of profit), incurred by UZBAT due to non-fulfillment by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.

Related to Suppliers

Economic sanctions

In this paragraph:

"Economic Sanctions" means all current sanctions imposed by Her Majesty's Treasury, the UK Foreign Trade Department, the US Treasury Department and any similar sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Nations and any other similar body (governmental or otherwise) and any applicable laws or regulations.

“Prohibited Territory” means – Afghanistan, Belarus, Myanmar (Burma), Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, Russian Federation and the non-Ukrainian-government-controlled areas of the Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

The Company represents, warrants and undertakes that:

1.2.1. Neither he nor any of the Company's employees or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or affiliates:

(a) are not currently subject to any economic sanctions; are established or resident, owned or controlled by one or more economic sanctions targets; or are owned or controlled by or acting on behalf of the government of a high-risk territory or Venezuela (collectively, "restricted entities")

(b) are aware of any circumstances or have taken any action, directly or indirectly, that may result in a violation of any economic sanctions by the Company, UZBAT and/or affiliates of UZBAT

1.2.2. It conducts and operates in full compliance with economic sanctions, and has established and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure continued compliance with economic sanctions;

1.2.3. Goods shall not be delivered to UZBAT through any Prohibited Territory,  Supplier agrees to cooperate with UZBAT to ensure compliance with sanctions conditions throughout the transaction;

1.2.4. It will promptly notify the UZBAT in writing, giving all relevant details, if it is unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement as a result of the imposition of economic sanctions against a country or person or the addition of a good or service to the list of goods or services subject to the applicable economic sanctions regime;

1.2.5. Upon notification pursuant to Section 1.2.4, it will cooperate with UZBAT to agree within a reasonable period a practical solution to ensure the continuity of this Agreement in accordance with economic sanctions;

1.3. If UZBAT receives notice or becomes aware of circumstances under which the Company or any of its employees or Affiliates have or may, in UZBAT's opinion, expose UZBAT or any of its Affiliates to the risk of violations, fines or any economic sanctions, including but not limited to the imposition of potential sanctions, the Company shall, if UZBAT so requires, cooperate with UZBAT to negotiate a practical solution acceptable to UZBAT, subject to its obligations under applicable law.

1.4. If the Parties fail to agree on a practical solution within 10 work days of receipt of notice under clause 1.2.4 or within 10 work days of when UZBAT becomes aware of the risk referred to in clause 1.3 or if UZBAT believes that such risk cannot be reduced to the extent necessary, UZBAT may immediately terminate this Agreement by providing notice thereof. During such period of 10 work days, the respective obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be suspended.

Supplier Code of Conduct

1. Definitions

«BAT», «Group» «we», «us» and «our» means British American Tobacco plc. and all its subsidiaries.

«SoBC» means the Group Standards of Business Conduct, available at www.bat.com/sobc and/or in our SoBC app, local versions of the SoBC adopted by a Group company and available on their local website.

«Code» means this Supplier Code of Conduct, available at www.bat.com/principles, www.bat.com/suppliercode  and in our SoBC app.

«Suppliers» means any third party that supplies or provides direct product materials or indirect goods or services to any BAT Group company, including consultants, independent contractors, agents, manufacturers, primary producers, sub-contractors, distributors and wholesalers.

«Workers» means suppliers’ employees, workers and contractors, including permanent, full-time, part-time, temporary, contingent, sub-contracted, agency and migrant workers.

2. Message from our Director of Operations

Transformation at BAT means reducing the health impact of our business, whilst focusing on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Crucially, our approach to sustainability applies not only to our own business operations, but also to our wider supply chain. We rely on a complex but critical supply chain, and we need it to be fit for the future. That’s why we’re using our influence to improve sustainability from crop, all the way to the consumer. The BAT Group works with a vast network of Suppliers worldwide, from smallholder farmers and international leaf Suppliers to Suppliers of materials like paper and filters for cigarettes. For our New Category products, we have a growing supply chain in consumer electronics and e-liquids. We also have a vast number of Suppliers of indirect goods and services that are not related to our products, such as IT services and facilities management. This Code has been updated to reflect our enhanced focus on ESG, and the ever-changing external landscape in which we operate. At the same time, we remain committed to delivering a positive social impact and ensuring robust corporate governance across the Group. In 2023, we invited over 600 Suppliers to take part in the CDP Supply Chain programme. Such collaboration enables us to strengthen our Supplier engagement, to drive environmental progress and further build resilience. We know that many global ESG focus areas, such as tackling climate change, eliminating waste and progressing towards a circular economy, protecting biodiversity and forests, and water stewardship, as well as delivering a positive social impact, cannot be addressed in isolation. By working with our Suppliers, contracted farmers, and other supply chain stakeholders on such initiatives, we can develop solutions to bring about lasting change. A key part of our relationship with Suppliers is having the confidence to Speak Up if something feels wrong. BAT takes allegations of breach of this Code, and our Standards of Business Conduct, very seriously. So please Speak Up via the various channels mentioned in our Code if you know of, or suspect, wrongdoing. I offer my personal assurance that all concerns raised will be treated in strict confidence. You will not face reprisals for speaking up, even if you are unsure. I believe that by working closely with our Suppliers we can continue to raise standards, enhance sustainable practices, and create shared value.

Zafar Khan Director of Operations

3. Introduction

BAT’s Standards of Business Conduct (SoBC) express the high standards of integrity we are committed to upholding. This Supplier Code of Conduct (Code) complements the SoBC by defining the minimum standards we expect our Suppliers to adhere to.

International standards

This Code supports our continuing commitment to respect human rights and is based on international standards, including:

- The United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
- The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; and
- The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Legal priority

If this Code conflicts with local laws, then the laws take precedence.

If this Code defines standards which are more stringent than local laws, then those higher standards should be followed – unless to do so would be unlawful under local laws.

Scope and application

In the event of a discrepancy between the requirements of this Code and the requirements of local law, the requirements of local law will prevail.  All suppliers should comply with the requirements of this Code in order to supply goods or services to BAT and any BAT Group company (collectively ‘BAT’).

Suppliers are expected to meet the requirements of this Code and this is incorporated into our contractual arrangements.

In addition, Suppliers should:

- Take steps to ensure that all their Workers, Suppliers, agents, sub-contractors and other relevant third parties understand and adhere to the requirements of this Code, including (where appropriate in terms of the nature of Supplier and the goods or services provided) maintaining adequate policies, procedures, due diligence, training and support.
- Promote adherence to the requirements of this Code and conduct appropriate due diligence within their own supply chain for their own new and existing Suppliers (including farmers where relevant).This Code applies to all Suppliers to BAT, as defined here.

Contacting the group:

Any information that Suppliers are required to report to the Group under this Code should be communicated to:

- The Supplier’s usual Group company contact; or
- The BAT Group Head of Procurement by email (procurement@bat.com), phone (+44 (0) 207 845 1000) or by writing to them at British American Tobacco plc, Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom

4. Work with suppliers

Our Suppliers are valued business partners and we believe, by working together, we can raise standards, drive sustainable practices, create shared value and build A Better Tomorrow™ for all.

Commitment to integrity

Our actions must always be lawful. Having integrity goes further. It means our actions, behaviours and how we do business must be responsible, honest, sincere and trustworthy. We are committed to upholding our contractual obligations with Suppliers and to treat them fairly.

Suppliers should expect clear and constructive engagement from BAT, and to be treated in a professional and inclusive manner, with dignity and respect, in accordance with the Group SoBC.

If a Supplier has a grievance or concern regarding the behaviour of a BAT employee, contrary to the Group SoBC, this should be reported to BAT.

Striving for best practice

While this Code sets out the minimum standards we expect of our Suppliers, we encourage them to strive for best practice and continuous improvement within their own operations and supply chains.

To this end, we seek to give preference to Suppliers that demonstrate best practice and strong performance against the Group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities.

This is reflected in our Supplier programmes, including (but not limited to):

- The industry-wide Sustainable Tobacco Programme for our tobacco leaf Suppliers, which includes a wide range of ESG criteria – from labour and human rights to climate change and biodiversity;
- Our supply chain due diligence programmes for non-tobacco Suppliers, which includes human rights risk assessments and independent labour audits, are aligned to international standards.

Supporting suppliers

We recognise the different circumstances of our Suppliers worldwide, and that some will face legitimate challenges in immediately meeting every facet of this Code.

As our ultimate goal is to drive the continuous improvement of standards within our supply chain, we are committed to working with such Suppliers over time to help them achieve adherence with the requirements of this Code.

By working together, allowing Suppliers to benefit from our resources and experience, we aim to increase awareness and capacity, and help our Suppliers improve and achieve best practice standards.

BAT’s ESG priorities

Details of the Group’s ESG priorities can be found in our annual ESG Report, available at: www.bat.com/ESGReport 

5. Compliance

We are committed to monitoring compliance to the requirements of this Code, and ensuring any issues identified are investigated and remediated.

Legal compliance

We expect our Suppliers to comply with all applicable laws, codes and regulations, and to act in an ethical manner.

As such, Suppliers must:

- Comply with all applicable laws, codes and regulations wherever they operate and however they may apply to them;
- Promptly notify the Group of any significant criminal or civil legal actions brought against them; and
- Promptly notify the Group of any fines or administrative sanctions brought against them which relate in any way to the requirements set out in this Code.

Compliance monitoring

We reserve the right to verify new and existing Suppliers’ compliance with the requirements of this Code through internal and/or external assessment and audit mechanisms.

Suppliers must provide all reasonable cooperation with any verification activity linked to this Code (whether carried out by the Group or by third parties engaged by the Group), including ensuring relevant documentation and data is held for as long as required by the Group and/or applicable laws, and the granting of independent access to relevant personnel, sites, documentation and data.

Such cooperation shall be discussed and agreed to by the BAT and the Supplier, to ensure that it is performed within working hours and that reasonable notice is given in advance.

This is notwithstanding legitimate restrictions applicable to commercially sensitive and/or confidential information – in such cases (and where such information is believed to be of material relevance to verification activity), Suppliers should work with the Group to try to identify mutually acceptable mechanisms for its safe and legitimate disclosure.

Reporting concerns

Suppliers are expected to support the identification, investigation, addressing and reporting of suspected or actual breaches of the requirements of this Code and/or the SoBC.

As such, Suppliers must:

- Have effective grievance or equivalent procedures in place to enable their Workers, in confidence and without fear of reprisal, to ask questions, raise concerns and/or report suspected or actual breaches – either to the Supplier itself or directly to the BAT;
- Promptly investigate any credible concerns about suspected or actual breaches of the requirements of this Code, and take appropriate action to avoid any potential breaches taking place, and/or minimise the impact of, and stop, any actual breaches; and
- Report any suspected or actual breaches of the requirements of this Code and/or the SoBC to the BAT as soon as they become aware of them as explained under Speaking Up.

Speaking Up

Any actual or suspected breaches of this Code or the SoBC can be raised with the Supplier’s usual Group contact, or through our confidential, independently managed Speak Up channels available at www.bat.com/speakup

Our Speak Up channels are managed independently and available online, by text and telephone hotlines, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in multiple local languages. They can be used in confidence (and anonymously, if you prefer to do so), without fear of reprisal. If you prefer to use the hotline, you can choose your location from the list provided on the website for the international number assigned to your country.

You will not suffer any form of reprisal (whether directly or indirectly) for raising concerns about actual or suspected wrongdoing, even if you are mistaken. We do not tolerate the harassment or victimisation of anyone raising concerns or anyone who assists them.

Investigations

We take any concerns, allegations or reports of suspected or actual breaches of this Code and/or our SoBC seriously. Where appropriate, we will investigate such matters fairly and objectively in accordance with our internal policies and procedures.

In other cases, we may ask a Supplier to lead investigation of the matter in accordance with its own procedures.

Where required by BAT, the Supplier is expected to liaise with BAT and keep us informed as to the scope, progress and outcomes of its investigation (subject to confidentiality or other applicable legal requirements).

Consequences of a breach

In the event of non-compliance with any of the requirements of this Code, BAT reserves the right to require the Supplier in question to:

- Demonstrate material progress towards compliance with the requirement(s) in question within a defined and reasonable time period; and/or
- Bring itself into full compliance with the requirement(s) in question within a defined and reasonable time period.

In the event of serious, material and/or persistent non-compliance, or where a Supplier otherwise demonstrates inadequate commitment, persistent inaction or a lack of improvement, we reserve the right to terminate the business relationship with the Supplier in question.

Contacting the Group:

Your usual Group Company contact

Group Head of Procurement: procurement@bat.com

Speak Up channels: www.bat.com/speakup  

6. Human rights

We are committed to applying the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and, by extension, respecting human rights in our own operations and our supply chain.

Respecting human rights

We expect our Suppliers to conduct their operations in a way that respects the fundamental human rights of others, as affirmed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This includes their own Workers and people working for their Suppliers.

Suppliers should seek to identify potential and actual adverse human rights impacts related to their activities and business relationships.

They should take appropriate steps to ensure their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses and to remedy any adverse impacts directly caused, or contributed to, by their activities or business relationships.

For their own Workers, we expect Suppliers (at a minimum) to meet the following requirements.

Equality and no discrimination

Suppliers must provide equal opportunities to, and fair treatment of, all Workers.

This should include:

- Working to eliminate any form of harassment and bullying within the workplace, whether it is of a sexual, verbal, non-verbal or physical nature; and
- Treating all Workers with dignity and respect, promoting diversity and inclusion, and not practising any form of unlawful discrimination.

Discrimination can include (but is not limited to) allowing race, ethnicity, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, class, religion, politics, marital status, pregnancy status, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law to influence our judgement when it comes to the recruitment, development, advancement or exit of any employee.

Protecting health and safety

Suppliers must provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions.

Specifically, this should include (but not be limited to):

- Adopting procedures to identify and address occupational health and safety hazards and associated risks, and implement safe working practices;
- Conducting fire risk assessments appropriate to the workplace or facility, and/or activity, and implementing fire safety plans and appropriate fire prevention and emergency evacuation systems and procedures;
- Providing (where relevant) appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent occupational injuries or illnesses;
- Providing (where relevant) appropriate control measures to ensure the safe handling, storage, transfer and disposal of substances hazardous to health or the environment, including flammable materials;
- Providing appropriate and regular training and communications so that Workers are aware of the health and safety risks and procedures relevant to their work; and
- Where accommodation is provided, ensure it is clean, safe and meets basic standards for acceptable living conditions and the needs of the Workers.

Respect freedom of association

Suppliers must ensure all Workers are able (subject to applicable laws) to exercise their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

This includes the right to be represented by recognised trade unions or other bona fide representatives within the framework of law, regulation, prevailing labour relations and practices, and agreed company procedures.

Such Workers and representatives should be able to carry out their lawful activities in the workplace without detriment.

Fair wages and benefits

Suppliers must provide fair wages and benefits.

At a minimum, these must comply with applicable minimum wage legislation and other applicable laws or collective bargaining agreements.

No child labour

We are committed to working towards zero child labour in our supply chain.

Specifically, following the guidelines of the International Labour Organization that:

- Any work which is considered hazardous or likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children should not be done by anyone under the age of 18 (or 16 under strict conditions);
- The minimum age for work should not be below the legal age for finishing compulsory schooling and, in any case, not less than the age of 15;

Where local law permits, children between the ages of 13 and 15 years old may do light work, provided it does not hinder their education or vocational training, or include any activity which could be harmful to their health or development (for example, handling mechanical equipment or agro-chemicals). We also recognise training or work experience schemes approved by a competent authority as an exception.

Child labour in agriculture

The reality of rural agricultural life in many parts of the world means certain kinds of work can play  a formative, cultural, social and familial role for children.

According to Art. 118 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan "For the preparation of young people for work, it is allowed to hire students from general education schools, secondary specialized and vocational schools to perform light work that does not harm their health and moral development, which does not violate the learning process, during their free time – at the age of fifteen with the written consent of one of the parents or one of the persons substituting the parents."

According to Art. 412 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan "The use of labor of persons under the age of eighteen years is prohibited for work with unfavorable working conditions, underground and other jobs that may damage the health, safety or morals of this category of workers. Persons under the age of eighteen years are not allowed to lift or move of heavy objects exceeding the established standards. The list of works specified in part one of this article and the maximum permissible standards for lifting and moving heavy objects by persons under the age of eighteen years are established by the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan in consultation with the Federation Council of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan and representatives of employers."

Thus, it is permitted by local laws that children of 15 years of age to help on their family provided it is light work, does not hinder their education or vocational training and does not involve any activity which could be harmful to their health or development  (for example, handling mechanical equipment or agro-chemicals).

No modern slavery

Suppliers must ensure operations are free from modern slavery and exploitation of labour.

This includes slavery, servitude and forced, compulsory, bonded, involuntary, trafficked or unlawful migrant labour.

As such, Suppliers and agents/labour brokers working on their behalf, should not require Workers to:

- Pay recruitment fees, take out loans or pay unreasonable service charges or deposits; or
- Surrender original identity papers, passports or permits.

Where national law or employment procedures require use of identity papers, Suppliers must use them strictly in accordance with the law. Identity papers should only ever be retained or stored for reasons of security or safekeeping and only with the informed, genuine and written consent of the Worker. The Worker should have unlimited access to retrieve them, at all times, without any constraints.

Conflict minerals

Suppliers must ensure responsible sourcing of conflict minerals.

Conflict minerals include cobalt, gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten (and the ores from which they originate), originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas that could directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups or human rights abuses.

Where products or materials supplied to the Group contain any such conflict minerals, we expect Suppliers to:

- Work to exercise appropriate due diligence;
- Perform reasonable country of origin enquiries, including requiring its Suppliers to engage in similar due diligence; and
- Provide the Group (where requested) with available information relating to due diligence and country of origin enquiries.

Working hours

Suppliers must comply with all applicable working time laws and other applicable laws or collective bargaining agreements, including taking account of any legally mandated maximum working hours requirements.

Contacting the Group:

Your usual Group Company contact

Group Head of Procurement: procurement@bat.com

Speak Up channels: www.bat.com/speakup  

7. Environmental sustainability

We are committed to pursuing best practice in environmental management and reducing the impacts of the Group on the natural environment both in our own operations and in our wider value chain.

Environmental impacts

We expect Suppliers to identify, understand and actively work towards avoiding, minimising and mitigating their associated impacts on the natural environment.

Where practicable, this should include establishing an environmental policy and management system.

Environmental impacts can include (but are not limited to) impacts relating to emissions to air, water, land and forests, use of materials, natural resource consumption and waste management practices.

Where relevant, Suppliers should also have consideration for protecting biodiversity, including the prevention of deforestation and fragmentation of habitats, and the protection of endangered and threatened species.

We expect Suppliers to provide the Group (where requested) with available information relating to their environmental performance, and with reasonable assistance as we seek to reduce the environmental impacts of our operations, products and services.

Performance management

Where practicable, we expect Suppliers to manage, monitor and maintain a record of their environmental performance.

Where relevant and practicable, this should include setting key performance indicators to measure progress against environmental plans or targets and to drive continuous improvement.

Environmental considerations

We expect Suppliers to integrate environmental considerations into their product design, operations and/ or provision of services.

Where relevant, this should include contributing to a circular economy by using less virgin and finite materials and designing out waste to keep materials in use for longer.

Cooperating with the Group

We expect Suppliers to provide the Group (where requested) with available information relating to their environmental performance and with reasonable assistance as we seek to reduce the environmental impacts of our operations, products and services.

Where relevant, this may include (but not be limited to):

- Life cycle assessments in relation to the Group’s products;
- Data and information relating the waste footprint of Group products; and
- Carbon reduction plans in relation to the Group’s Scope 3 emissions.

What are Scope 3 emissions?

Carbon emissions are categorised into three groups or ‘Scopes’ by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol:

- Scope 1 covers direct emissions from an organisation’s owned or controlled sources;
- Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the organisation; and
- Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in an organisation’s value chain, including purchased goods and services.

Environmental Management

In line with BAT Group’s Environment Policy Statement, we encourage Suppliers to take environmental considerations into account across the following priority areas:

Tackling climate change.

Eliminating waste and progressing towards a circular economy.

Protecting biodiversity and forests.

Water stewardship.

We expect Suppliers to integrate environmental considerations into their product design, operations and/or provision of services, and to comply with all applicable local legal and regulatory requirements governing environmental management.

These arrangements should also cover their supply chain.

Doing so could include integrating ESG policies and practices into their business strategy and operations.

Suppliers should work towards continual improvement in environmental performance, underpinned, where relevant and practicable, through the implementation of environmental management standards and practice, using ISO 14001 or an equivalent.

Additionally, we encourage Suppliers to report on and publicly disclose their performance and progress, including through initiatives such as the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), the Science Based Target Network (SBTN) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Tackling Climate Change

We expect Suppliers to manage, monitor and maintain a record of their environmental performance with regards to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the aim of:

Understanding their own GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2);

Reducing their own GHG emissions;

Understanding the GHG emissions of their supply chain (Scope 3);

Working with their Suppliers to reduce GHGs in their supply chain.

As a minimum we expect Suppliers to:

Undertake reasonable efforts to aim for 100% of their purchased electricity to be from renewable sources by 2030;

Report on Scope 1 and 2 emissions to the BAT Group (where requested).

We expect Suppliers to work towards:

Reporting on their Scope 3 emissions to the BAT Group (where requested).

Where relevant and practicable, Suppliers should work towards:

Implementing a GHG management system (e.g. ISO 50001, PSA 2060);

Setting a target of Net Zero by no later than 2050 across their value chain;

The provision of an externally verified report on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions;

Improving primary data for products and services to specific emissions factors (through LCAs).

For details of GHG accounting and reporting standards visit https://ghgprotocol.org

Water Stewardship

Where relevant, we expect Suppliers to reduce the amount of water withdrawn and increase water recycling across their operations.

Suppliers must be aware of the water risk level in the area they are operating in, as defined, for example, by the World Resource Institute (wri.org).

We expect Suppliers to work towards understanding water dependencies and impacts in their own operations and their value chains, with a focus on areas threatened by water scarcity.

Where relevant and practicable, Suppliers should work towards mitigating operational and supply chain water risks, ideally using, or based on an equivalent level of, the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard (https://a4ws.org/about/).

Protecting Biodiversity and Forests

Where relevant, we expect Suppliers to take steps towards protecting, preserving and regenerating nature, and to aim for Net Zero deforestation in the supply chain of products and materials provided to the BAT Group.

Suppliers of wood and wood pulp-based materials (including but not limited to primary and secondary packaging, fine paper, acetate tow and point of sale materials) and leaf Suppliers are expected to supply materials and tobacco that are Deforestation and Conversion Free (DCF status), with independent certification where possible, produced or cured (if applicable) with wood from sustainable and traceable sources.

Where relevant and practicable, Suppliers should work towards understanding biodiversity dependencies and impacts in their own operations and their value chains.

Eliminating Waste and Progressing Towards a Circular Economy

We expect Suppliers to aim to use fewer resources, create less waste and enable reuse, recycling, and circularity in products and processes.

Suppliers must ensure all materials provided to the BAT Group for the purpose of packaging are designed to be fully reusable, recyclable or compostable, by 2025 or sooner.

We expect Suppliers to work towards inclusion of recycled content in the materials provided to the BAT Group for the purpose of packaging.

Where relevant and practicable, Suppliers should work towards designing for the circularity of their products, including but not limited to increasing the use of renewable sources and reducing the use of virgin materials.

Contacting the Group:

Your usual Group Company contact

Group Head of Procurement: procurement@bat.com

Speak Up channels: www.bat.com/speakup

8. Marketing and trade

We are committed to ensuring the responsible marketing and trade of Group products.

Responsible marketing

We are committed to responsible marketing of all our products to adult consumers aged 21 or over.

Our marketing is governed by our International Marketing Principles available at https://bat.uz/en/sustainability/international-marketing-principles/ and www.bat.com/imp

As such, we expect our Suppliers to comply with:

- Group International Marketing Principles as a minimum standard where they are stricter than local laws; or
- Local laws or other local marketing codes where they are stricter than, or override, BAT marketing principles.

Illicit trade

The fight against the illicit trade in our products is an important priority for the Group.

Illicit trade in smuggled or counterfeit products harms our business, while diversion of our genuine products harms BAT’s reputation.

We do not condone or tolerate any involvement in illicit trade in our products and it is vital that our Suppliers have no direct or indirect involvement in, or support for, illicit trade in our products.

As such, Suppliers must:

- Not knowingly engage in or support unlawful trade in our products;
- Implement effective controls to prevent illicit trade, including: Measures to ensure supply to market reflects legitimate demand; and Procedures for, where relevant, investigating, suspending and terminating dealings with customers, Suppliers or individuals suspected of involvement in illicit trade.
- Collaborate with authorities in any official investigation of illicit trade, while ensuring this is done in a lawful manner and in line with our zero tolerance for any form of bribery and corruption, given the heightened bribery and corruption risks in dealings with public officials.

Types of illicit products:

Counterfeit or fake: Unauthorised copies of branded products that have been manufactured without the knowledge or permission of the trademark owner and using cheap, unregulated materials.

Local tax evaded: Products which are manufactured and sold in the same country, but are not declared to the authorities, so excise tax is not paid. These products are manufactured in either legitimate or illegal factories.

Smuggled: Products (either genuine or counterfeit) which are moved from one country to another without payment of taxes or duties, or in breach of laws prohibiting their import or export.

9. Business integrity

We are committed to high standards of business integrity in all that we do. Our ethical standards should never be compromised for the sake of business results.

Conflicts of interest

Suppliers are required to avoid conflicts of interest in their business dealings and to operate with full transparency with respect to any circumstances where a conflict does, or may, arise.

As such, Suppliers must (and must take steps to ensure their Workers):

- Avoid situations where their personal and/or commercial interests, or the interests of their officers or employees may, or may appear to, conflict with the interests of BAT;
- Disclose to BAT if any BAT employee may have any interest of any kind in their business or any economic ties with them; and
- Inform the Group of any situation that is, or may be seen as, an actual or potential conflict of interest as soon as the conflict arises, and to disclose how it is being managed.

These provisions are not intended to prevent Suppliers dealing with BAT competitors where it is legitimate and appropriate for them to do so.

Bribery and corruption

It is unacceptable for any Supplier (or their employees and agents) to be involved or implicated in bribery or other corrupt practices.

As such, Suppliers must never engage in any conduct which may constitute bribery including to:

- Never offer, promise or give any gift, payment or other benefit (such as hospitality, kickbacks, a job offer/ work placement or investment opportunities) to any person (directly or indirectly), to induce or reward improper conduct or improperly influence any decision by any person to their or BAT’s advantage;
- Never ask for, agree to accept or receive any gift, payment or other benefit from any person (directly or indirectly) as a reward or inducement for improper conduct or which influences, or gives the impression that it is improperly intended to influence, decisions of BAT;
- Never offer, promise or give any gift, payment or other benefit to a public official intending to influence that individual in their capacity of a public official to their or BAT’s advantage;
- Never make facilitation payments (directly or indirectly) with regard to BAT business, other than where it is strictly necessary to protect the health, safety or liberty of any Workers; and
- Maintain proportionate and effective controls to ensure that improper payments are not offered, made, solicited or received by third parties performing services for or on their or the BAT’s behalf.

Definitions Improper Conduct means performing (or not performing) a business activity or public function in breach of an expectation that it will be performed in good faith, impartially or in line with a duty of trust.

Facilitation Payments are small payments made to smooth or speed up performance by a low-level official of a routine action to which the payer is already entitled.

They are illegal in most countries.

In some, such as the UK, it is a crime for their nationals to make Facilitation Payments abroad.

Gifts and entertainment (G&E)

Occasional offering or acceptance of business-related G&E can be an acceptable business practice,  when what is given is modest, reasonable, appropriate and lawful. However, improper or excessive G&E can be a form of bribery and corruption and cause serious harm to BAT and our Suppliers.

Suppliers must not offer or accept G&E where to do so would constitute, or would be perceived as constituting, bribery or other corrupt activity. As such:

- Suppliers are expected to observe the Group’s G&E chapter principles, as set out in the SoBC, when doing business with Group Companies and Employees;
- The exchange of G&E between BAT Employees and Suppliers is prohibited during any tender or competitive bidding process involving the Group ; and
- Suppliers must not, directly or indirectly, seek to influence a Public Official on BAT’s behalf by providing any G&E (or other personal advantage) to them or any person, such as a public official’s close relative, friend or associate. Gifts to public officials of more than token value will rarely be appropriate.

Sanctions and export controls

Suppliers should ensure they conduct their business in compliance with all applicable international sanctions regimes, and that they do not engage with any sanctioned territories or sanctioned parties where it is prohibited to do so.

As such, Suppliers must:

- Be aware of, and fully comply with, all applicable sanctions regimes affecting their business;
- Implement effective internal controls to minimise the risk of breaching sanctions or causing the Group to breach sanctions, and provide training and support to ensure their employees understand them and implement them effectively, particularly where their work involves sourcing from sanctioned territories, international financial transfers or cross-border supply or purchase of products, technologies or services; and
- Inform the Group of any situation where they intend to supply goods or services to the Group originating from or transshipped through a sanctioned territory or intend to make payments or supply Group products to/through any sanctioned territory or party.

What are sanctions?

Sanctions are restrictions or prohibitions on trade or dealings, including funds transfers, with or involving certain targeted countries or persons, imposed by individual countries, such as the United States (US) United Kingdom (UK); or supra-national bodies, such as the United Nations and the European Union, on another country, entity or individual.

Some sanctions regimes are very broad; for example, US sanctions can apply even to non-US persons when acting entirely outside the US. In particular, US sanctions prohibit the use of US dollars and US banks for payments between non-US parties involving sanctioned parties, as well as exports/transshipments of US-origin products and products with US-origin content to, or for, sanctioned territories or certain sanctioned persons.

Some sanctions regimes apply to exports/re-exports of products originating from territories under comprehensive US sanctions or products with such origin content; as well as transshipping products through such high risk sanctioned territories.

Separate from sanctions, export controls impose licensing obligations on the cross-border movement of certain items, such as “dual-use” goods, and associated software and technology because of their potential for military use, and regardless of who is involved. Examples of “dual-use” items include certain types of machinery, encryption software and IT equipment.

Breaching sanctions and export controls carries serious penalties, including fines, loss of export licences and imprisonment, in addition to significant reputational harm and damage to banking partner relationships.

Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing

It is unacceptable for any Supplier (or their employees and agents) to be involved or implicated in money laundering or terrorist financing.

Suppliers must put in place effective controls to ensure that they do not engage in any activity which would constitute a money laundering or terrorist financing offence in any relevant jurisdiction or which could cause BAT to commit such an offence – this includes (but is not limited to): concealing or converting illegal funds or property; possessing or dealing with the proceeds of crime; or knowingly assisting in financing, transferring assets for the benefit of, or otherwise supporting, terrorist groups and terrorist activity.

Business records and confidentiality

In order to conduct business with BAT, Suppliers may need to access confidential and private records relating to our business.

As such, Suppliers must

- Ensure this information is protected and remains confidential;
- Not disclose confidential information without prior authorisation from the BAT; and
- Be mindful of the risk of unintentional disclosure of confidential information through discussions or use of documents in public places.

Suppliers must also maintain up-to-date business records, whether financial or non-financial, in accordance with applicable laws and ensure they handle personal data in accordance with all relevant data protection and privacy laws. Any records related to the business of the Group should also be held for as long as required by the Group.

Data privacy and cyber risk

We are committed to protecting the integrity and security of our systems and data (including personal data) throughout our supply chain.

Suppliers are required to maintain appropriate systems and controls to protect BAT data, including personal data, and, where appropriate, access to BAT systems. Many Suppliers hold or have access to personal data or confidential information of BAT.

As well as complying with global data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation, maintenance of good cyber hygiene by Suppliers is critical to the security of that data and Group systems and to protect the BAT’s business. As such, we expect our Suppliers to comply with data protection and cybersecurity laws, regulatory guidance and industry best practice (including data protection assessments where required by law and the assessment of cyber threats).

Cybersecurity threats and risks on how we manage data (including personal data) are constantly changing. It is vital that our Suppliers have appropriate technical measures, policies and processes in place to protect BAT data and to ensure that any access to BAT systems, or processing of all data, is secure and managed in accordance with documented processes.

As such, Suppliers must:

- Maintain all appropriate data protection, information security and cybersecurity policies, and update them regularly;
- Monitor compliance with those policies on a continuous basis and ensure that any remedial action is taken promptly;
- Immediately investigate potential breaches of data protection policies, security incidents and report any such incidents or events that may affect BAT data or systems to BAT; and
- When required to do so, put in place such remedial measures as may be required by BAT.

Assessing data protection and cyber risk

Suppliers should assess risk to their organisation, and how that risk may impact on the handling of BAT data (including personal) or access to BAT systems and data, on an ongoing basis.

Suppliers must consider the risk attaching to BAT data in their possession, or that any access to BAT systems may present, in accordance with threat and risk models.

Fair competition and antitrust

We believe in free competition, in line with competition (or ‘antitrust’) laws.

As such, Suppliers must compete fairly and ethically and comply with competition laws in each country and economic area in which they operate.

Tax evasion

Suppliers must ensure they comply with all applicable tax laws and regulations in the countries where they operate, and be open and transparent with the tax authorities.

Under no circumstances should Suppliers engage in deliberate illegal tax evasion or facilitate such evasion on behalf of others.

As such, Suppliers must put in place effective controls to minimise the risk of tax evasion or its facilitation, and provide appropriate training, support and whistleblowing procedures to ensure their employees understand and implement them effectively and can report any concerns.

Contacting the Group:

Your usual Group Company contact

Group Head of Procurement: procurement@bat.com

Globe House 4 Temple Place London WC2R 2PG United Kingdom Tel: 44 (0)207 845 1000

Speak Up channels: www.bat.com/speakup

Related to Costumers

1.1 Customer warrants and represents, together with its employees, agents, contractors, representatives and Subsequent Customers, that:

(a) he has read and will comply with the Business Conduct Policy, Summary of Procedures to Support Supply Chain Control and Prevent Illicit Trade in Tobacco Leaf and/or BAT Products;

(b) directly or indirectly either in transactions with private entities or in dealings with the public sector, offer, give, receive or agree to offer, give or receive (whether independently or by agreement with others) any payment, gift or other material benefit relating to any matter which is the subject of this Treaty which (A) are intended or acted upon, or influence or encourage any person to act contrary to good faith, impartiality or trust, or which it would be improper for the person to accept; (B) are given to or for a public official, with the intent to influence the person and to gain/retain an advantage in the conduct of business or (C) which a reasonable person would consider unethical, illegal or improper (under anti-corruption laws (any activity described in (A), (B) or (C), hereinafter "Corrupt Practices");

(e) it has full knowledge and understanding of applicable anti-money laundering, counterterrorist financing and taxation laws and that it has sound and reasonable internal procedures to ensure that its employees, agents, contractors, representatives and Subsequent Clients comply with applicable laws (including but not limited to appropriate policies, approval processes, training and monitoring);

(g) to the best of his knowledge, none of his assets or funds are or constitute the proceeds or benefit of criminal activity;

(h) he is not and has not participated in any arrangement which is or would be an arrangement that facilitates the commission of a money laundering or terrorist financing offence;

(i) he has not committed and will not commit offenses related to bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitation of tax evasion;

(j) he will promptly notify UZBAT in writing if:

it, its employees, agents, contractors, representatives or Subsequent customers become aware of any crimes of bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitation;
he or his employees, agents, contractors, representatives or Subsequent customers are the subject of any investigation or enforcement proceeding by any governmental, administrative or regulatory authority for any offense involving bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitation of tax evasion, or any such investigation is threatened or pending; or

iii. there is a significant change in the ownership/control structure or path to a market structure.

(k) The information provided by Client in the UZBAT due diligence process (including, but not limited to, the external questionnaire) is complete and accurate.

Trade sanctions

1.2 Customer represents, warrants and undertakes that:

(a) neither he nor any of the Associated Parties:

(i) are not currently subject to any economic sanctions; are established or resident, owned or controlled by one or more economic sanctions targets; or are owned or controlled by or acting on behalf of the government of a high-risk territory or Venezuela (collectively, "restricted entities");

(ii) are aware of any circumstances or have taken any action, directly or indirectly, that may result in a violation of any economic sanctions by the Supplier, UZBAT and/or affiliates of UZBAT.

(b) it conducts and operates in full compliance with economic sanctions and has established and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure continued compliance with economic sanctions;

(c) it will promptly notify UZBAT in writing, giving all relevant details, if it is unable to perform its obligations under this Treaty as a result of the imposition of economic sanctions against a country or person or the addition of a good or service to the list of goods or services subject to the applicable economic sanctions regime; and

(d) upon notification pursuant to Section 1.2.4, it will cooperate with UZBAT to agree within a reasonable period a practical solution to ensure the continuity of this Agreement in accordance with economic sanctions;

(e) If UZBAT receives notice or becomes aware of circumstances under which Supplier or any of Supplier's employees or Affiliates have or may, in UZBAT's opinion, expose UZBAT or any of its Affiliates to the risk of violations, fines or any economic sanctions, including but not limited to the imposition of potential sanctions, Supplier shall, if UZBAT so requires, cooperate with UZBAT to negotiate a practical solution acceptable to UZBAT, subject to its obligations under applicable;

(f) goods are not delivered to UZBAT through any High Risk Territory unless there is no other commercially viable alternative and Supplier obtains explicit consent from BAT for such delivery and agrees to cooperate with BAT to ensure compliance with sanctions conditions throughout the transaction.

The Liability Shield

1.3 The Customer agrees to indemnify the Company against any losses, liabilities, damages, costs (including but not limited to legal fees) and expenses incurred as a result of bribery and corruption, crimes of money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitation of tax evasion, committed by it or its employees, agents, contractors, representatives or Subsequent Clients.

Confirmation

1.4 The Costumer acknowledges and agrees that the Company uses various processes, protocols and procedures to minimize the risk of the Company committing bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitating tax evasion. If the Customer fails to timely provide information requested by the Company, or if the Company has reasonable grounds to suspect that the Customer has committed or will commit an offense in connection with bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitation of tax evasion, the Company reserves the right to delay the provision of any goods, services or payments to the Customer by the Company or any of its affiliates. The Company shall not be liable for any delay resulting from taking such reasonable measures to comply with the applicable Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act.

Termination of customer relationships

1.5 Upon receipt of any notice from the Company, Customer agrees to immediately terminate its commercial relationship and cease supplying tobacco leaf and/or products to Subsequent Customer on the grounds that:

(a) the Company has documentary or other substantial evidence that the Subsequent Customer is engaged in illegal trade or has committed the offense of bribery and corruption, the offense of money laundering or terrorist financing, the offense of tax evasion or aiding and abetting tax evasion; or

b) The Company has received written notification from a regulatory authority that the Costumer must terminate its commercial relationship with the Subsequent Client and cease the supply of tobacco leaf and/or products. For the avoidance of doubt, such written notification by the regulatory authority shall be accepted by the Client as conclusive evidence that the Subsequent Client is engaged in illicit trade.

1.6 The Company has the right to immediately terminate this Agreement at any time by sending a written notice to the Costumer:

a) at the request of a regulatory authority, based on credible evidence showing that the Customer knowingly or recklessly participated in the illegal production, sale, distribution and possession of contraband tobacco leaf and/or products and/or related money laundering (including the commission of money laundering or terrorist financing, tax evasion or facilitating tax evasion);
b) where the Company reasonably believes that the Costumer has unreasonably failed to comply with the requirement to minimize the risk of illicit trade in tobacco leaf and/or products, and where the Costumer has failed to address the Company's concerns within a reasonable period as determined by the Company in notifying the Costumer;
c) if the Company has documentary or other substantial evidence that the Costumer knowingly or recklessly participates in the illegal production, sale, distribution and/or possession of contraband tobacco leaf or products sold by the Costumer or its affiliates, and/or related money laundering (including the commission of a tax evasion or tax evasion facilitation offense);
d) the Company suspects that the Costumer commits, has committed or may commit an offence related to bribery and corruption, money laundering or terrorist financing;
e) if the Costumer fails to provide any information documents reasonably requested by the Company within 20 work days of such request from the Company or within another period agreed upon by the parties in writing;

(f) in the event that the Customer fails to comply with the requirement to terminate the commercial relationship with the Subsequent Customer as set forth in Section 1.5 above; or

(g) in the event that the Parties fail to agree on a practical solution to the risks of economic sanctions under paragraph 1.2(d);

(e) above within 10 Business Days of receipt of notice under paragraph 1.2(c) or within 10 work days of when UZBAT becomes aware of the risk referred to in paragraph 1.2(e) or if UZBAT believes that such risk of economic sanctions cannot be reduced to an appropriate level. During such 10 work days period, the respective obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be suspended.

h) if the Company, in accordance with its internal policies and procedures, is required to update its risk assessment and due diligence of the Costumer, which will result in a different set of terms or conditions required of the Costumer and the Costumer does not accept those terms and/or conditions included in this Agreement after the Company has notified the Costumer of them in writing.

Definitions

"Associated Parties" include officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives or agents.

"Bribery and Corruption Laws" means the UK Bribery Act 2010 and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977 or any other similar local or national anti-bribery and corruption law, regulation, rule or regulation.

"Bribery and Corruption Offence" means a criminal charge in any formal court or tribunal of any jurisdiction for any offence involving a violation of the laws of bribery and corruption.

 "Company" means the BAT Company with which the Agreement is entered into.

"Documentary or other substantial evidence" means (i) a criminal conviction in any official court or tribunal of any jurisdiction for any offense involving the manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of counterfeit products or contraband cigarettes/tobacco or any other related illegal activity; or (ii) a judgment of any official court or tribunal of any jurisdiction in any civil case involving participation in the manufacture, sale, distribution and/or possession of counterfeit products or contraband.

"High Risk Area" means the list from the BC&C Sanctions High Risk Areas page.

"Illegal trade" means the illegal sale, distribution and/or possession of contraband tobacco leaf or products, including the shipment of such tobacco leaf and/or products without declaring or paying excise and/or other taxes and/or related money laundering.

"Money Laundering or Terrorist Financing Act" means the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or the UK Terrorism Act 2000 or any other similar local or national law, regulation, rule or regulation relating to money laundering or countering the financing of terrorism.

"Money laundering or terrorist financing offense" means an offense under the applicable Money Laundering or Terrorist Financing Act, including, but not limited to, any (i) concealment, disguise, conversion or transfer of criminal or terrorist property, (ii) participation in activities that facilitate the use, acquisition or control of criminal or terrorist property by another, (iii) acquisition, use or possession of criminal or terrorist.

"Public official" means any person who acts on behalf of, or is one who holds a legislative, administrative, or judicial office, including any person acting on behalf of a governmental entity, governmental enterprise, or public organization, political party. And, a candidate for any political office, a member of the government or any government department, agency, part thereof, or any public enterprise/joint venture/partnership combined with a public enterprise (including a partner or shareholder in such enterprise). This includes members of public international organizations, or others acting on behalf of any such agency, instrumentality, or part thereof.

"Subsequent Client" means Costumer's subsequent client.

"Crime of tax evasion" means the crime of (i) fraudulently defrauding the public revenues or (ii) knowingly participating in or taking action for the purpose of fraudulently evading the payment of taxes. For the avoidance of doubt, "tax" includes any excise, tax or charge levied in any jurisdiction.

"The offence of facilitating tax evasion" means the offence of: (i) promoting tax evasion through conscious participation or fraud in the form of tax evasion by another person; or (ii) Aiding, abetting, counseling or securing the commission of a tax evasion offence.

«Tax laws» refer to all applicable tax laws, including, inter alia, the British Criminal Finance Act 2017, subject to periodic changes and amendments, as well as any regulations made thereunder.