Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
Standards of integrity, accountability and professional conduct across all JHS operations.
Last updated: May 2026
1. Introduction
Jos•Hansen (JHS) is committed to conducting business with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity. As a company operating across healthcare, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, veterinary sciences, agriculture, environmental health, and scientific innovation, we recognize that our work directly impacts lives, communities, institutions, and ecosystems.
This Code of Ethics and Business Conduct defines the standards that guide our decisions, relationships, and operations across all countries where we conduct business. It reflects our commitment to ethical leadership, responsible healthcare delivery, scientific integrity, sustainability, and transparent partnerships.
Our Code applies to all directors, employees, consultants, contractors, agents, suppliers, distributors, and third parties acting on behalf of JHS.
At JHS, integrity is not only a compliance obligation—it is central to who we are as an organization and how we build lasting trust across Africa and international markets.
The principles contained in this Code are aligned with internationally recognized ethical and compliance standards adopted across the global healthcare and life sciences sectors.
2. Our Values
Our ethical culture is guided by our core values:
Reliability
We deliver dependable, safe, and professionally executed solutions that stakeholders can trust.
Efficiency
We operate with discipline, precision, responsiveness, and accountability in all our activities.
Satisfaction
We place the needs of patients, partners, institutions, and communities at the center of our work.
Tailor-Made Solutions
We listen carefully, understand local realities, and develop solutions that create meaningful and sustainable impact.
These values shape our conduct, decision-making, and professional responsibilities across all sectors we serve.
3. Integrity in Business Conduct
JHS conducts business honestly, fairly, and transparently.
We do not engage in bribery, corruption, fraud, unethical influence, kickbacks, facilitation payments, falsification of records, or improper business practices of any kind.
We compete fairly, comply with applicable laws, and uphold the highest standards of professional ethics in all engagements involving governments, healthcare institutions, suppliers, regulators, donors, universities, research institutions, and private-sector partners.
Every employee and representative of JHS is expected to act ethically even when faced with commercial pressure or operational challenges.
We believe long-term success is built through trust, accountability, and responsible conduct—not through unethical advantage.
4. Commitment to Patients, Communities, and Public Interest
As a life sciences and healthcare company, JHS recognizes its responsibility to protect patient welfare, public health, scientific credibility, and community trust.
We are committed to:
Contributing to resilient healthcare and agricultural systems across Africa.
We do not compromise patient safety, product quality, scientific integrity, or environmental responsibility for commercial gain.
All products, technologies, and services provided by JHS must meet applicable regulatory, safety, and ethical standards.
5. Respect for Laws and International Standards
JHS complies with applicable national, regional, and international laws governing healthcare, medical technologies, anti-corruption, procurement, labor practices, environmental protection, privacy, and trade.
Our operations align with internationally recognized frameworks and principles including:
United Nations Convention against Corruption
African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
General Data Protection Regulation
Data Protection Act 2019
Bribery Act 2016
Where local legal requirements differ from this Code, JHS applies the higher ethical standard wherever reasonably practicable.
6. Scientific and Professional Integrity
JHS promotes evidence-based decision-making, ethical research practices, and responsible scientific conduct.
We present information accurately, transparently, and responsibly. We do not misrepresent products, manipulate data, conceal risks, or make misleading scientific, clinical, technical, or commercial claims.
Employees and representatives must maintain professional independence and exercise sound judgment in all technical, medical, scientific, and operational activities.
We encourage disciplined curiosity, innovation, continuous learning, and responsible problem-solving consistent with our mission of improving lives through science and technology.
7. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
JHS maintains zero tolerance for corruption in any form.
Employees and representatives may not directly or indirectly offer, request, authorize, or accept bribes or improper advantages involving:
Business partners.
Gifts, hospitality, sponsorships, donations, or business courtesies must never influence decision-making or create conflicts of interest.
Third parties acting on behalf of JHS must uphold the same ethical and compliance standards expected of our employees.
JHS actively supports transparent procurement and responsible public-sector engagement across healthcare and scientific sectors.
8. Data Protection and Confidentiality
JHS respects the confidentiality and privacy of patients, employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders.
We protect personal, medical, scientific, operational, and commercial information through responsible data governance and appropriate security safeguards.
Sensitive information may only be accessed, used, stored, or disclosed for legitimate and authorized business purposes.
Employees must protect confidential information obtained through their work and may not misuse proprietary, personal, or institutional data.
JHS supports responsible digital practices and secure management of healthcare information consistent with international privacy standards.
9. Respect, Diversity, and Human Dignity
JHS promotes a professional environment grounded in respect, fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
We do not tolerate:
Forced labor or child labor.
We value diversity of thought, background, expertise, and experience. We treat colleagues, customers, patients, suppliers, and communities with dignity and professionalism.
We believe strong organizations are built through trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
10. Environmental and Social Responsibility
JHS recognises the interconnectedness among human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health Approach.
We are committed to sustainable operations, ecological responsibility, and responsible resource management.
Our environmental commitments include:
Reducing adverse environmental impacts where reasonably practicable.
We strive to create long-term positive impact across the communities and ecosystems we serve.
11. Conflicts of Interest
Employees and representatives must avoid situations where personal interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with the interests of JHS.
Potential conflicts must be disclosed promptly and managed transparently.
Business decisions must always prioritize professional objectivity, fairness, and the legitimate interests of JHS and its stakeholders.
12. Speaking Up and Reporting Concerns
JHS encourages employees and stakeholders to raise concerns regarding unethical conduct, misconduct, compliance violations, fraud, corruption, safety concerns, or breaches of this Code.
Reports made in good faith will be treated responsibly, fairly, and confidentially.
JHS prohibits retaliation against individuals who report concerns honestly or participate in investigations.
Creating a culture of accountability and openness is essential to maintaining trust and ethical excellence.
13. Accountability and Compliance
Every employee and representative of JHS is responsible for understanding and complying with this Code.
Managers and leaders are expected to lead by example, reinforce ethical conduct, and support a culture of integrity throughout the organization.
Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment or contracts, legal action, or referral to regulatory authorities where appropriate.
Contact Information
For ethics, compliance, or integrity-related inquiries, contact Jos•Hansen at life-sciences@joshansen.com.
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