Act honestly, transparently, and in good faith in all professional dealings.
Avoid behaviour that could mislead, deceive, or harm clients, colleagues, the public, or the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (CIOE&IT).
Comply with all applicable consumer protection, fraud, anti-corruption, and business conduct laws, including (where relevant):
UK Bribery Act 2010 (or local equivalent)
Fraud Act 2006
Misrepresentation Act 1967
Avoid any conduct that could bring the CIOE&IT or the profession into disrepute.
Report suspected professional misconduct where legally permitted.
Competence and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Members must:
Maintain and update professional knowledge and skills to standards expected by the Institute.
Undertake Continuous Professional Development in accordance with Chartered Institutes requirements.
Deliver work with reasonable skill, care, and diligence as required under common law duty of care and relevant contract law.
Comply with professional standards, sector regulations, and statutory requirements applicable to their field (e.g., employment law, trade-specific regulations, data regulations, etc.) to ensure compliant and effective trade.
Only undertake work for which they are suitably qualified, trained, and competent.
Confidentiality
Members must:
Protect confidential, commercially sensitive, or personal information obtained through professional roles.
Comply with all relevant privacy and data protection legislation, including:
UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018
Local equivalents for international members
Use personal data only for legitimate, lawful purposes and with appropriate security controls.
Not disclose confidential information unless:
Explicitly authorised,
Required by law or court order, or
Necessary to prevent serious harm or illegal activity.
Adherence to Laws and Regulations
Members must:
Comply with all national and international laws, government regulations, and professional standards relevant to their business or role.
Understand obligations relating to:
Trade regulations and import/export laws
Competition law
Employment law and workplace rights
Health and Safety legislation
Equality and anti-discrimination laws
Environmental regulations
Ensure all business activities adhere to both statutory requirements and regulatory standards applicable to the Chartered Institutes discipline.
Conflict of Interest
Members must:
Promptly disclose any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest that could impair professional judgement.
Take reasonable steps to avoid situations where personal, financial, or organisational interests could improperly influence professional actions.
Implement appropriate mitigation strategies, which may include recusal, declare interests, or adjust responsibilities.
Follow the Chartered Institutes conflict of interest reporting procedures.
Public Interest, Safety, and Ethical Practice
Members must:
Ensure professional decisions consider the public interest, including safety, sustainability, fairness, and human rights.
Avoid actions that may contribute to unsafe practices, environmental harm, or human exploitation (including modern slavery).
Comply with legislation such as:
Health and Safety at Work Act
Modern Slavery Act
Environmental Protection regulations
Promote ethical behaviour in all professional engagements, including fair treatment of workers and responsible supply chain practices.
Copyright and Intellectual Property Compliance
Members must:
Ensure that all content used in professional settings—including presentations, publications, training sessions, and events—does not infringe copyright or other IP rights.
Only use copyrighted material with:
Explicit permission,
Valid licences, or
When permitted under statutory exceptions (e.g. fair dealing).
Respect trademarks, patents, and proprietary information when representing the Chartered Institute or their employer.
Professional Accountability
Members must:
Take responsibility for professional decisions, advice, and actions.
Cooperate fully with any Chartered Institutes investigation, audit, or compliance review.
Correct errors promptly and take appropriate steps to prevent recurrence.
Maintain appropriate professional indemnity or business insurance where required by law or by the Institute.
Disciplinary Action
Members must understand that:
Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspension, termination of membership, or other disciplinary measures.
The Chartered Institute may report serious misconduct to:
Employers
Regulatory authorities
Law enforcement (where applicable)
Members must comply with all disciplinary processes and provide truthful information when required.
Membership Undertakings
Professional Member Undertaking
Compliance with Governance Documents Members agree to abide by the Chartered Institutes Charter, byelaws, policies, regulations, Code of Conduct, and disciplinary procedures. This includes compliance with updates to these documents.
Payment of Fees Members agree to pay annual subscriptions, renewal fees, and any other charges required for membership status. Your Membership, including access to any associated benefits, will not commence until payment has been received and verified. Non-payment may result in suspension or loss of membership.
Liability Contribution Members agree, as required by the Charter, to contribute up to one pound (£1) towards the Chartered Institutes liabilities if the organisation is wound up while they are a member or within the statutory period afterward.
Accuracy of Information Members certify that all information provided in applications, declarations, CPD submissions, or professional records is accurate, complete, and not misleading. Providing false or misleading information may be treated as misconduct.
Business Member Undertaking
Corporate Compliance The applying organisation agrees to abide by the Chartered Institutes Charter, byelaws, policies, regulations, Code of Conduct, and disciplinary procedures. It also agrees to maintain lawful, ethical business practices consistent with relevant legislation.
Payment of Fees The business agrees to pay the required membership and renewal fees. Your Membership, including access to any associated benefits, will not commence until payment has been received and verified. Non-payment may result in suspension or loss of membership.
Accuracy of Corporate Information The business certifies that all corporate information provided—such as ownership, registration, financial status, or compliance declarations—is accurate.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance The business agrees to comply with:
Company law requirements
Data protection and employment law
Health and safety obligations
Anti-bribery and corruption legislation
Competition and trade laws
Any sector-specific regulatory frameworks
Where relevant, the organisation must ensure its supply chain also adheres to key legal and ethical standards.
