This section offers an insight into some of the key policies and standards that guide the actions of the British American Tobacco Group's companies worldwide, including across the Middle East.
Statement of Business Principles
British American Tobacco’s Statement of Business Principles forms the basis on which we expect our companies to be run in terms of responsibility. Developed with the help of stakeholders in dialogue, it consists of three Business Principles: Mutual Benefit, Responsible Product Stewardship and Good Corporate Conduct, and eighteen Core Beliefs.
- Statement of Business Principles (270 kb)
Standards of Business Conduct
British American Tobacco’s Standards of Business Conduct are an integral part of the Group’s governance and, together with the Business Principles, underpin our commitment to high standards of corporate responsibility. The Standards apply to all Group companies and employees and require high standards of behaviour and integrity wherever our businesses operate. Our companies are required to adopt them or local policies which reflect them and each employee is expected to know and comply with their provisions.
- Standards of Business Conduct (764 kb)
International Marketing Principles
Our International Marketing Principles provide a consistent and responsible approach to marketing across the Group. They replace our International Marketing Standards which were launched in 2001 and updated in 2007. The Marketing Principles comprise four core principles which we believe are at the heart of responsible tobacco marketing. The rationale for each principle is explained and illustrated by a set of core standards which show how they should be applied in our communications with consumers. - International Marketing Principles (190 kb)
Employment Principles
British American Tobacco’s Employment Principles build on our companies' commitment to good employment practices and workplace related human rights. They set out a common approach to the development of policies and procedures, while recognising that each company must take account of local labour law and practice and the local political, economic and cultural context.
- Employment Principles (31 kb)
Philosophy for Supplier Partnerships
British American Tobacco’s Philosophy for Supplier Partnerships is a statement on supply chain management which has been distributed to key global, regional and local supply partners. It builds on our Business Principles and supply chain practices. Amongst standards expected of suppliers, the statement makes it clear that our companies will not tolerate any supply partner who has not taken steps to avoid the employment of children (other than in genuine apprenticeships), sales of cigarettes to minors, use of forced or illegal immigrant labour, working conditions that do not meet the Group’s own occupational health or safety standards, denial of access to, or unfair application of a transparent grievance procedure or any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment, abuse or bullying.
- Philosophy for Supplier Partnerships (90 kb)
Child Labour Policy
British American Tobacco companies do not employ children in their own operations, and are committed to the principles of protecting children from child labour exploitation and seek to apply this commitment throughout the supply chain.
EHS Policy Statement
British American Tobacco aims to apply the best international standards of practice relating to the health and safety of employees at work and non-company personnel on company premises and the conservation of the physical environment, and to give a high priority to these activities.