1.      Members of the International Authentication Association (IAA) undertake to operate their business in a manner which enhances the reputation of the authentication industry and the IAA. In dealings with each other, with customers and suppliers, members will observe high standards of business integrity and ethics.

 

2.      All IAA members undertake to abide by the IAA Articles of Association.

 

3.      IAA members will respect intellectual property and will not knowingly infringe or cause others to knowingly infringe upon intellectual property. Members will undertake due diligence in the selection of suppliers and the acceptance of customers to ensure that they are legitimate providers or users of authentication technologies and devices.

 

4.      IAA members will embark on a continuous process of enhancement and improvement to their supply and distribution chain security procedures.

 

5.      IAA members which are producers or suppliers of authentication technologies will recognise that there are many different methods and devices available to help to authenticate an item and will promote their system, device or other product on its merits. Members will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics and functioning of their products or their capabilities or those of other producers or suppliers.

 

6.      IAA members which are producers or suppliers of authentication technologies will ensure that all their staff understand the nature of the security industry, and that they must operate accordingly so as not to put at risk the business or activities of customers.

 

7.      IAA members will work constructively and closely with their customers to convey appropriate knowledge, training and equipment among examiners for the most efficient examination of the item and its authentication features.

 

8.      IAA members will put in place risk management policies to ensure that they minimise health and safety risks to their staff, visitors and customers; that they minimise risk of compromise of their products used by customers; and they minimise risk to the environment.

 

9.      Every member of the IAA accepts a responsibility to uphold this Code of Conduct and to strive to enhance the reputation of the IAA so that membership is seen to stand for quality and customer satisfaction.

 

10. A member in breach of this obligation, or otherwise operating in such a way as to bring the IAA and the industry into disrepute, should be brought to the attention of the Board for investigation. If the complaint is found to be justified, the members will be notified at a General Meeting, which is empowered to suspend the membership or expel from membership such companies.