5.2 - Anti-bribery policy : Compliance with laws

How to Answer the Question

To effectively address how an organization ensures its anti-corruption policy complies with all applicable laws, include the following elements:

-   Policy Development:   Describe how the anti-corruption policy is developed with the input of legal experts to ensure it aligns with both national and international laws.

-   Regular Reviews:   Explain the process of regular policy reviews and updates to incorporate changes in the legal landscape and ensure ongoing compliance.

-   Training and Communication:   Highlight how the organization trains and communicates these policies to ensure that all employees understand and comply with them.

For detailed guidance, consider referencing the [Agence Française Anticorruption](https://www.agence-francaise-anticorruption.gouv.fr).

Why It's Important

Ensuring that an anti-corruption policy complies with applicable laws is crucial because:

-   Avoids Legal Penalties:   It helps prevent legal sanctions against the organization for non-compliance.

-   Enhances Reputation:   Maintains or enhances the organization's reputation as a law-abiding and ethical entity in the business community.

-   Promotes Ethical Culture:   Fosters a culture of integrity and transparency that can deter corrupt practices internally and in dealings with third parties.

More about the importance of compliance can be found at [Global Compliance News](https://www.globalcompliancenews.com).

Examples

-   Example A:  

 -   Context:   A pharmaceutical company regularly updates its anti-corruption policy to align with new healthcare regulations and international bribery laws.

 -   Resources Deployed:   Collaboration with legal advisors, annual compliance training sessions.

 -   Outcome:   The company successfully passed multiple external compliance audits without any violations.

 Detailed compliance mechanisms are discussed in [Kaspersky’s Global Anti-Corruption Compliance Policy](https://www.kaspersky.com).

-   Example B:  

 -   Context:   An international construction firm integrates specific clauses in its anti-corruption policy to comply with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and local construction laws.

 -   Resources Deployed:   Legal consultations, compliance software for tracking legislation changes.

 -   Outcome:   Enhanced operational compliance, resulting in reduced legal risks and improved contractual relationships with international partners.

For an overview of applicable laws, visit [OECD’s guidelines on anti-corruption](https://www.oecd.org).