Code of Ethics

Commitment to Integrity and Responsibility at SQS S.A.

This Code of Ethics defines the principles, values, and standards of conduct that guide the actions of SQS S.A. and all members of the organization. Its purpose is to ensure a corporate culture based on integrity, transparency, and responsibility, both in internal and external relations.

This code applies to all employees, managers, and collaborators of SQS, as well as to suppliers and partners working with the company.

Guiding principles

• Integrity and honesty: All actions of SQS must be governed by transparency, consistency, and respect for the truth. Corruption, bribery, or conflicts of interest will not be tolerated.
• Regulatory compliance: SQS guarantees strict compliance with current legislation, both national and international, as well as with applicable sectoral regulations and standards (CENELEC, FDA, ISO, ENS, IDSA).
• Respect and diversity: The company fosters an inclusive environment, where cultural, social, gender, and thought diversity are respected. Any form of discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment is prohibited.
• Confidentiality and information protection: The information of clients, employees, partners, and projects is considered a strategic asset and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, in accordance with data protection regulations and contractual commitments.
• Responsible innovation: Technological innovation is a cornerstone of SQS. It is promoted ethically and responsibly, prioritizing safety, reliability, and positive impact on society and the environment.
• Commitment to sustainability: SQS activities are carried out with respect for the environment, encouraging the efficient use of resources and contributing to the transition toward sustainable models in all processes.

Relations with stakeholders

a) With employees

• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment.
• Promote equal opportunities, work-life balance, and continuous professional development.
• Reject any form of workplace, sexual harassment, or discrimination.
• Establish internal communication channels that foster trust and participation.

b) With clients

• Always act with technical independence, ensuring objectivity in validation, certification, and testing.
• Guarantee project confidentiality and data protection.
• Provide quality service, focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Report clearly and transparently on the results of services provided.

c) With suppliers and collaborators

• Selection and hiring under criteria of transparency, objectivity, and sustainability.
• Require compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Promote long-term relationships based on mutual trust.

d) With society

• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through training activities, conferences, and collaborations with universities and associations.
• Participate in projects that promote cybersecurity, software quality, and data sovereignty as common goods.
• Maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal practices or those that violate human rights.

Standards of conduct

• Use company resources responsibly, avoiding misuse or purposes unrelated to professional activity.
• Act independently, avoiding situations of personal or professional conflict of interest.
• Immediately report any behavior contrary to this Code of Ethics through established channels.
• Respect intellectual property, avoiding reproduction, misuse, or appropriation of content, software, or methodologies without authorization.
• Comply with established security measures when handling sensitive information, client data, and IT systems.

Specific commitments

Anti-corruption and transparency

• Prohibition of illicit payments, bribes, or gifts that could influence decision-making.
• Transparent and truthful recording of all operations and contracts.

Information security

• Strict application of security policies and certifications (ISO 27001, ENS).
• Continuous employee training on cybersecurity best practices.

Quality and technical independence

• Maintaining impartiality in audit, verification, and validation processes.
• Use of proprietary and accredited methodologies that ensure technical excellence.

Environmental commitment

• Application of the environmental policy in all operations.
• Prioritization of suppliers and partners with sustainable criteria.

Compliance and supervision

SQS establishes an Ethics Channel so that employees, clients, and suppliers can confidentially and without retaliation report any violation of this Code.

The Ethics and Compliance Committee will be responsible for overseeing the application of the Code, resolving questions, managing reports, and proposing corrective measures.

Breaches of the Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary sanctions, in accordance with labor law and current contracts.

Review and continuous improvement

This Code of Ethics is a living document, subject to periodic reviews depending on regulatory, technological, and social developments. SQS is committed to updating it regularly and communicating its principles to the entire organization and its stakeholders.