ETICKÝ KODEX
CENTRAL EUROPEAN RAS CHAMBER, z. s. (CERC)

CODE OF ETHICS

CENTRAL EUROPEAN RAS CHAMBER, z. s. (CERC)

I. Basic principles and mission

Art. 1: Relationship to the mission and field of RAS

Promotion of RAS: A member of the Chamber actively participates in the promotion of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as a sustainable, ecological and technologically advanced method of fish farming in Central Europe.

Expertise and innovation: A member pays attention to the continuous improvement of professional qualifications and is open to sharing technical knowledge and innovations, unless this is in conflict with the protection of his own know-how.

Good reputation of the Chamber: A member always acts in such a way as not to damage the good reputation of the Chamber, its bodies and other members.

II. Protection of the rights of RAS farm owners 
(property and legislative integrity)

Art. 2: Protection of proprietary interests

Protection of know-how: A member protects his own trade secrets and know-how and at the same time respects intellectual property rights and confidential information obtained from other members of the Chamber.

Conflict of interest: A member may not abuse his membership in the Chamber or his functions in its bodies to promote personal interests at the expense of collective goals or to gain an unjustified competitive advantage.

Lobbying: When lobbying for the interests of the industry towards public authorities, a member acts in accordance with official positions and strategies approved by the Chamber.

III. Relations between members - competitive environment

Art. 3: Principles of fair competition

Respect for competition: Members recognize and respect the existence of competition in the industry. Competitive relations are conducted in a spirit of decency, transparency and in accordance with the Act on the Protection of Economic Competition.

Prohibition of unfair practices: It is prohibited to disseminate false, distorted or unverified information about competing farms, their products, technologies or financial situation.

Pricing policy: Members shall refrain from any negotiations, agreements or consultations with competitors that could lead to illegal price fixing, market sharing or restriction of competition. Discussions within the Chamber may only concern general market conditions and not specific pricing strategies.

Remuneration and gifts: Members undertake not to give or accept any bribes, commissions or unauthorized gifts that could influence business decisions in relation to other members or suppliers.

IV. Relationship with the public, consumers and the environment

Article 4: Quality and transparency

Production quality: The member complies with the highest standards of quality and food safety. Fish raised in RAS systems must always be in optimal condition to guarantee quality for consumers.

Animal welfare: The member respects and applies the best breeding practices with an emphasis on fish welfare in RAS systems, including the control and optimization of water quality.

Sustainability: The member undertakes to minimise the environmental footprint of its activities, in particular through efficient use of water and energy and environmentally friendly waste disposal in accordance with the principles of the RAS and the European Strategy for Aquaculture.

V. Compliance with the Code

Art. 5: Control and sanctions

Binding: This Code of Ethics is binding on all members of the Chamber and is considered an integral part of the statutes.

Notification of violations: Each member has the right and obligation to notify the Chamber Committee of any reasonable suspicion of a violation of this Code.

Dispute resolution: In the event of a violation of the Code or a dispute between members, the Chamber shall seek an amicable solution. If amicable resolution is not possible, the Committee shall be entitled, after due investigation, to propose sanctions, including a recommendation for expulsion from the association in the event of a serious violation.