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Code of Conduct

Colgate-Palmolive's Code of Conduct promotes the highest ethical standards in all of the Company's business dealings.

A Message From our Chairman, President & CEO

Noel Wallace

Noel Wallace
Chairman, President & CEO

Our Code of Conduct has guided Colgate people for over 30 years with principles that reflect our values and set standards for our ethical behavior. While our values and principles are enduring, the Code is regularly updated to ensure it addresses the changing context of our business. Our job as Colgate People, no matter where in the world we work, is to make sure our behavior and decisions always live up to our Code.

This year brought new challenges and opportunities which impacted all aspects of our lives, including the ways that we work. Remote work will continue to be an important component in how we get things done. But, we can’t let distance impact our shared commitment to ethical behavior. Colgate People are expected to read, understand and fully comply with our Code. You also are expected to “Speak Up,” and challenge behavior that conflicts with our Code, our policies or applicable laws. These commitments ensure that all our decisions at work — or the personal decisions affecting our work — are guided by our responsibility to act with integrity and the highest ethical standards.

Colgate people want to win because our purpose is so important: we are reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. We take great pride in our business results and also in the way we achieve those results. As a global Company operating in a highly competitive marketplace, business pressure comes with the territory. But there is never justification for cutting corners or violating the Code of Conduct.

Thank you in advance for upholding our values and for committing to advancing our purpose with the highest ethical standards so vital to our continued business success.

About The Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct serves as an important resource to ensure our daily business interactions are conducted with integrity. The Code clearly conveys to each of us that the manner in which we achieve our business results matters. The Code applies to all Colgate people, including directors, corporate officers and all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Vendors and suppliers are also subject to similar requirements, as adherence to the Colgate Third Party Code of Conduct is a condition for conducting business with Colgate.

Each employee is responsible for complying with the Code, the Business Practices Guidelines, Company policies and all applicable laws. By fully integrating ethics and integrity in our ongoing business relationships and decisionmaking, we demonstrate a commitment to a culture that promotes the highest ethical standards.

Colgate is committed to creating a workplace free of inappropriate or unlawful behavior, in which people are encouraged to share their concerns with the Company without fear of retaliation. At Colgate, no adverse action will be taken against any employee, former employee, agent or third party for complaining about, reporting, participating or assisting in the investigation of a suspected violation of the Company’s Code of Conduct, Company policy or applicable law, unless the allegation made or information provided is found to be intentionally false or was not made or provided in good faith. To the maximum extent possible, Colgate will maintain the confidentiality of all complaints. All allegations of retaliation will be investigated, and if appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.

The Code is available online and has been translated into forty-two languages. Colgate people are required to read, understand and comply with the Code. To reinforce our commitment, Colgate people receive ongoing Code training and certify their compliance with the Code on an annual basis. 

Keys to Ethical Decision Making

Compliance with the Code is easier to ensure by using good judgment and seeking guidance when questions arise. If you are uncertain about a specific action, ask yourself the following:

Keys to Ethical Decision Making

Code of Conduct in 42 Local Languages

The Code of Conduct has been translated and is available in 42 local languages. Click on the language below to view the Code of Conduct.

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