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International Business Duke Energy's Code of Business Ethics

Duke Energy maintains the highest standards of integrity when conducting business in the United States and abroad. We build relationships based on trust and respect with our customers, suppliers and community stakeholders.

Duke Energy's success in global business transactions depends on our compliance with country-specific constraints and conditions, and sensitivity to local customs. The laws, regulations and conventions governing our international business relationships vary from country to country. It is Duke Energy's policy to comply not only with the letter of these laws but also with their spirit. Duke Energy is also responsible for following certain U.S. laws when doing business outside of the United States. Since violations can result in substantial fines, imprisonment and severe restrictions on the company's ability to do business, it is essential that Duke Energy employees follow them. If local law conflicts with applicable U.S. law, or if in doubt for any reason, ask for guidance before taking any action.

Our Responsibilities

Duke Energy employees who conduct business outside of the United States are expected to be familiar with the laws and regulations of each country in which they conduct business, as well as the following laws and regulations:

  • The anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the anti-bribery legislation of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention 
  • U.S. anti-boycott laws 
  • U.S. Treasury embargo sanctions 
  • U.S. export control restrictions.

Duke Energy employees must:

  • Get the training needed to understand laws and regulations governing international transactions.
  • Seek advice in advance from the law department regarding whether a payment is legal and legitimate.
  • Record all payments and transactions accurately and fairly.
  • Report any FCPA and OECD Convention concern to the law department.
  • Report all requests for boycott support or boycott-related information to the law department.
  • Obtain technical and legal guidance about export control restrictions when exporting sensitive goods or technology.
  • Seek advice regarding any sensitive political issues in countries where Duke Energy is doing or considering doing business.
  • Get the training needed to understand laws and regulations governing international transactions.

Duke Energy employees must not:

  • Make payments or give business courtesies directly or indirectly (such as payments to agents, sales representatives or other third parties) if there is reason to believe they will be used illegally. This includes corporate and personal funds as well as charitable and political contributions intended to gain an mproper business advantage.
  • Do business with others who do not accept our values and who may harm our reputation.
  • Violate anti-boycott laws, governmental embargoes or export control restrictions or prohibitions.

Related Information

The following are summaries of the key U.S. laws and regulations governing international business. Because most are based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, they are subject to change. It is your responsibility to stay updated on changes in these laws.

FCPA and the OECD Convention

The FCPA and OECD Convention legislation make it a crime to promise, offer or give anything of value to a government official or a political party or candidate in order to obtain or retain business or gain any improper advantage. The FCPA covers all countries in which Duke Energy currently has operations, and the laws implementing the OECD Convention have been ratified by many of those countries.

Anti-boycott Laws

Anti-boycott laws make it illegal to cooperate in any boycotts between foreign countries if the boycotts are not sanctioned by U.S. law.

Treasury Embargo Sanctions

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibits U.S. companies and their foreign subsidiaries from doing business with certain countries, agencies and individuals. Regulations vary depending on the country and the type of transaction.

Export Control Restrictions

To prevent sensitive goods, technology and software from falling into the wrong hands, exports of items sensitive to certain countries and individuals may be restricted or prohibited. These restrictions and prohibitions may also apply to transfers between Duke Energy and its foreign subsidiaries.