Non-PRO English to German Other Government / Politics

Ethik-Kodex einer US-Aktiengesellschaft:


Facilitating or "Grease" Payments

In certain foreign countries, the law and Company policy allow small payments to low-level government officials for the purpose of expediting or facilitating the performance of "**routine government action**." For example

• Obtaining permits, licenses or other official documents to qualify a person to do business in a foreign country;
• Processing government papers, such as visas and work orders;
• Providing police protection, mail pick-up and delivery, or scheduling inspections associated with contract performance or inspections related to the transit of goods across country; and
• Providing phone service, power and water supply, loading and unloading cargo or protecting perishable products or commodities from deterioration.

"**Routine government action**" does not include a decision by a foreign official to award new business or to continue doing business with a particular company. It also does not include discretionary actions by middle or high-level officials, such as settling tax or contractual disputes, fixing customs duties or certifying compliance with permit terms or conditions. You must remember that such "facilitating payments" may not be legal in the country where you want to make them, and if this is the case, you cannot make them. If you have any doubt, contact the Law Department.