Member Code of Ethics

1.0 Purpose

As a good corporate citizen, UL has always endeavored to conduct its business in a manner conforming to the highest standards. UL's reputation for unquestionable integrity is one of its most valuable assets in its relationships with clients, customers, suppliers, employees, the communities in which its facilities are located, and national and international members of the safety and regulatory organizations in which UL participates.

2.0 Scope

The statements of business principles contained within the Code of Ethics for STP Members have been prepared to guide the conduct of STP activities to comply with the highest ethical and legal standards. It is essential that all STP Members conform to these principles in performing their duties and carrying out activities on behalf of UL. These principles are not intended to supply specific guidance for every business activity, but rather to provide guidelines for the continuing policies of the corporation on ethical business behavior, which must be observed by all STP Members throughout the world. Where the Code of Ethics is specific, it should be followed to the letter. If certain situations are not expressly covered, STP Members are expected to consider the spirit of this Code of Ethics in determining the most appropriate course of action. UL takes violations of the STP Code of Ethics very seriously.  Violations of this Code may result in an immediate termination of STP Membership.

3.0 Responsibility

3.1 STP Members shall read, become familiar with, and adhere to the Regulations Governing Standards Technical Panels.

3.2 STP Members shall act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the UL Standards Development Process. Although it is recognized that legitimate differences of opinion can exist on individual issues, STP Members should support and promote the defined broad objectives of the STP.

3.3 STP Members are expected to stay current with all UL standards development activities in which they are directly or indirectly involved. STP Members should encourage full participation in UL's Standards Development Process by all interested persons, and they should encourage and facilitate the full and open dissemination of all information necessary to enable full and fair consideration of all points of view.

3.4 In all discussion, debate, and deliberation within the UL Standards Development Process, STP Members shall confine their comments to the merits of the scientific, technical, and procedural issues under review. Although STP Members may zealously  advocate their views or positions, they shall refrain from debate and discussion that is disrespectful, threatening, or otherwise unprofessional in tone or which is unduly personalized or damaging to other STP Members and the overall process of achieving consensus.

3.5 STP Members shall take appropriate steps to ensure that any public statements, either written or oral, which are not official statements of UL, are properly portrayed as the opinion or position of that individual STP Member. STP members must take care to ensure that their statements do not mislead the public.

3.6 STP Members have a continuing obligation to provide UL with timely, accurate and complete information concerning their qualifications, organization affiliations and interest classification.

3.7 STP Members shall actively and diligently perform all duties required of them. This includes fully preparing for STP meetings they are attending; reading and becoming familiar with all comments and discussions relating to proposals on which their STP is to act; promptly completing all ballots; and promptly and thoroughly taking all actions necessary to complete the processing of documents within their STP. STP Members are encouraged to attend all STP meetings.

3.8 STP Members who have been classified General Interest comprise a category of independent consultants and experts who are generally unallied with any particular business or commercial interest. On occasion, however, independent consultants in this category may be retained by a client to advocate on behalf of the client with regard to a specific issue or issues before the STP. Accordingly, the consultant shall declare those interests to the STP in a timely fashion and shall refrain from voting on any proposal relating to issue(s) in which the interests of the consultant's client are or may be potentially involved.

3.9 STP Members frequently receive funding from their employers, organizations, or other sources for their participation in UL's Standards Development Process, and they have an affirmative and continuing obligation to declare those sources of funding to UL. Apart from those declared sources of funding, STP Members must not solicit or accept gifts, hospitality, or transfers of economic benefit, other than unsolicited gifts or other benefits of nominal value, i.e., USD $100.00 or less, from persons, groups, or organizations having dealings with their STP or under any circumstances in which the benefit would be or could appear to be bestowed or accepted for the purposes of influencing the members' activities within the STP Standards Development Process. This Section 3.9 is not intended to prohibit authorized reimbursements by UL for travel and living expenses of STP members nor authorized honorariums paid by UL.

3.10 STP Members shall treat all persons with respect and fairness and should not offer or appear to offer preferential treatment to any person or group.

3.11 STP Members shall refrain from disseminating false or misleading information or from withholding information necessary to a full, fair, and complete consideration of the issues before their STP.

3.12 STP Members shall not harass, threaten or coerce other members in an effort to persuade or sway votes.  This does not preclude the straight forward lobbying of other STP Members for support or opposition to issues, proposals, etc.

3.13 STP Members shall comply with UL's Patent Policy as specified in UL's Regulations.

3.14 STP members shall respect UL's copyright and the copyright of other individuals and organizations.

4.0 UL, STP Members and the Law

4.1 It is UL's policy to comply fully with all laws and regulations that govern its operations in the various communities, states and countries in which it operates, and to conduct its affairs in keeping with the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards.

4.2 Honesty is not subject to compromise at any time in any culture and, even where the law may be permissive, UL will follow the course of highest integrity. The reputation of UL for scrupulous dealings is a priceless asset, just as it is for individuals. It is the intent of this STP Code of Ethics to maintain and continuously develop this asset.

5.0 Use of Corporate Name or Influence

STP Members shall not use the name or influence of UL for personal purposes.

6.0 Seeking Guidance and Reporting Potential Violations

6.1 Guidance - STP members should consult Donald Snyder, Director -- US Standards, (919.549.1850; Donald.E.Snyder@ul.com) if they have any questions or concerns regarding this Code or determining an appropriate course of action. 

6.2 Reporting - STP Members may report issues concerning violations to the Code of Ethics to the appropriate STP Chair. The STP Chair will review the issue and will take appropriate action if necessary.