Code of ethics and service eligibility
The principles that guide our work and the sectors Complade does not serve at this time.
Published 19 October 2026.
How we work
Integrity
We describe our services and accreditation scope accurately. We base our conclusions on evidence and do not promise a certification outcome.
Impartiality
We review conflicts of interest and protect independent certification decisions. Commercial pressure must not change audit findings. Complade does not provide implementation consulting or internal audits to its certification clients.
Confidentiality
We protect information obtained through our work in line with confidentiality agreements and applicable requirements. We agree access arrangements for sensitive evidence with the client.
Competence and respect
We assign competent people to each engagement and treat people with respect. We explain criteria, findings and decisions so clients can understand the outcome and use the available review and appeal channels.
Sectors we do not serve at this time
Complade declines to offer services to organizations operating in the sectors below. This is our current policy for accepting engagements, including where the activities are legal. It is not a finding about the legality or conduct of an individual organization.
| Sector | Activities covered |
|---|---|
| Gambling and betting | Casinos, lotteries, sports betting and online gambling. |
| Recreational cannabis | Cultivation, processing and retail sale of recreational cannabis. |
| Tobacco and vaping | Production and distribution of tobacco products and e-cigarettes. |
| Adult entertainment | Adult entertainment clubs, adult film production and related services. |
| Pawn shops and payday loans | Pawn brokering and payday or similar short-term lending. |
| Alcohol production and sales | Breweries, distilleries and businesses producing or selling alcoholic beverages, including retail liquor sales. |
| Factory farming | Large-scale industrial livestock farming. |
| Private arms manufacturing and sales | Private businesses producing or selling firearms and military equipment. |
| Recruitment-based multi-level marketing | Multi-level direct sales companies that require recruitment. |
Eligibility review
We review the organization’s activities during application review. If your organization has several activities or you are unsure whether this policy applies, describe them and contact Complade before applying. Sector pages provide general information; they do not confirm an organization’s eligibility.
Questions and concerns
You can raise a concern about our conduct or ask for clarification of this policy. The complaints and appeals procedures explain how concerns and disputed decisions are reviewed.