USP Code of Ethics

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and its subsidiaries are committed to responsible, ethical, and legal practices throughout the organization and in all aspects of USP activities. This Code of Ethics is intended to reflect and preserve USP's independence, integrity, reputation, and credibility as a volunteer-driven, science-based standards-setting organization. The principles and policies contained in this Code of Ethics govern the conduct of USP's officers, trustees, volunteers, employees and representatives as USP pursues its strategic vision and objectives.

This Code of Ethics is implemented through rules and procedures applicable to officers, trustees, volunteers, employees and representatives including the Rules of Business Practice for the USP Board of Trustees, the Rules and Procedures of the Council of Experts, and the USP Staff Handbook, Quality Manual, and SOPs. As used in this Code of Ethics, the term "volunteers" refers to the volunteer members of USP's Council of Experts and Expert Committees, who agree to abide by USP's Code of Ethics as a condition of their participation in USP's standards-setting and other scientific decision-making processes.

It is important to bring any questions regarding this Code of Ethics, or any concerns regarding suspected violations of or failures to comply with this Code of Ethics, to the attention of USP leadership. To encourage reporting of such concerns, USP has adopted a Whistleblower and Non-Retaliation Policy, set forth below, that provides officers, trustees, volunteers, employees and representatives with a mechanism for anonymously reporting concerns, assurance that concerns will be investigated in a full, fair and impartial manner, and protection against retaliation. USP may also adopt formal compliance programs that are designed to help ensure compliance with the principles and policies contained in this Code of Ethics.

This Code of Ethics is organized into the following five sections: