ex14-1.htm

For the past several years, the activities of business organizations, both large and small, have been the subject of increased scrutiny and criticism by the public, the government, and the news media.

For that reason, it is appropriate for Lakeland Industries, Inc. to restate its position on ethical conduct, based on the original precepts of the business and on policies formulated as the corporation has grown.

As a good corporate citizen, Lakeland Industries, Inc. has always endeavored to conduct its business in a manner conforming to the highest ethical standards. The company’s reputation for unquestionable integrity is its most valuable asset in its relationships with its customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities in which its plants are located.

The following statement of business principles has been prepared to guide the future conduct of company activities in an ethical and legal manner. It is not intended to supply answers for every business activity; rather, it is an effort to reiterate the continuing policies of the corporation on ethical business behavior, which must be observed by all Lakeland Industries, Inc. employees and representatives throughout the world. It is essential that all employees and representatives conform to these principles as they perform their activities on behalf of Lakeland Industries, Inc.

Lakeland and its domestic subsidiaries are engaged in a program of full compliance with all federal and state laws applicable to hiring and promoting people on the basis of demonstrated ability, experience, and training without regard to race, religion, sex age, national origin, or other factors requiring affirmative action. The corporation requires continuous management attention at all corporate levels to assure compliance with the spirit and letter of this policy.

Choose its employees on the basis of their ability to perform the work for which they are hired without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or other factors requiring affirmative action.

The corporation shall conduct its business in a manner that is socially responsible. In addition to manufacturing and selling products, it shall protect the quality of the environment and endeavor to conserve energy and other valuable resources.

Each of the corporation’s facilities is expected to make every effort to be an integral part of the community in which it operates, and to participate in its activities as a concerned and responsible citizen. Like individual citizens, it benefits from such activities as health, welfare, character building, education, and culture. And like individuals, it has the responsibility to support and develop these social and civic activities.

The company recognizes that employee participation in cultural, social or volunteer organizations can be public service of a higher order, and all Lakeland employees are encouraged to participate in public activities of their individual choice.

The corporation shall endeavor to supply its customers with quality products, delivered on schedule and sold at a fair price. Lakeland products will be manufactured to the company’s high quality standards and will offer customers all the technical skills of its employees and the expertise of Lakeland technology and know-how.

It is the policy of Lakeland to comply fully with all valid laws and regulations that govern its operations in the various communities, states and countries in which it operates and to conduct its affairs in keeping with the highest moral, legal and ethical standards.

There is an obligation, both corporate and individual, to fulfill the intent of the above statement. It is not expected that every employee will have full knowledge of the laws affecting his or her responsibilities. The company does, however, expect that employees with significant responsibilities will have a general knowledge of prohibited activities involved in their work and will seek guidance on any matter on which there is a question, either directly from the corporation’s legal department or through their supervisors.

Honesty is not subject to equivocation at any time in any culture, and even where the law may be permissive; your corporation chooses to follow the course of highest integrity. The reputation of the company for scrupulous dealing is a priceless asset, just as it is for individuals. The intent of these principles is to maintain and develop the corporation’s reputation in the future as it has in the past.

The law is a base for ethical business conduct which should normally be at a level well above the minimum required by law. In its relationships with customers, the corporation will offer the same advantages to all and will be fair in all its endeavors. Gifts or bribes for the purpose of influencing the buying decisions of employees of customers or potential customers or persons in a position to influence a buying decision are clearly improper and prohibited.

In dealing with suppliers, an employee shall not solicit, accept, or countenance payments or substantial gifts, regardless of motive, from either a vendor or a potential vendor.

In its relationships with its competitors, the corporation and its employees will fully understand and strictly adhere to the requirements of the antitrust laws. These laws, which, in the United States, include the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Robinson-Patman Act, and Federal Trade Commission Act, seek to advance and maintain the free enterprise system and take precedence over any business objective of the corporation, notwithstanding any resulting increases in sales or profits.

Such acts as price-fixing, restrictive agreements, boycotts, tie-in arrangements exclusive of reciprocal dealings, monopolizing, price inducements, and discriminatory allowances are or may be illegal. All employees shall scrupulously avoid violations of the antitrust laws. The corporation will not condone any actions which an employee knew or should have known would violate the antitrust laws or any other valid law or regulation.

The corporation and its units shall make no financial contributions to a political party or to a candidate running for any elective office. This policy applies to all political parties or candidates worldwide, even when permitted by local law. Payments, regardless of amount, to any government employee, or gifts or services of substantial value or lavish entertainment, regardless of motive, are prohibited.

Relationships with public employees shall be so conducted that neither the officials nor the company’s integrity would be compromised if the full details of the relationship became a matter of public knowledge.

It has always been, and continues to be, the corporation’s intent that its employees maintain the highest standards of loyalty in their conduct of company affairs. In essence, company employees shall deal with suppliers, customers, and other persons doing business or seeking to do business with the corporation in a manner that eliminates considerations of personal advantage.

Because they hold positions of trust in the corporation, a director, an officer, or any employees may not make a profit from the corporation because of their official position. They are also clearly prohibited from engaging in a competing business.

In addition to the legal responsibility of the directors and officers, it is the duty of all employees to act in the best interests of the corporation and to avoid situations which might produce a conflict between their own interests and those of the corporation. Employees shall have no financial interest in any firm doing business with or seeking to do business with the corporation, nor shall they accept employment outside the company which may result in a conflict of interest, unless same is fully disclosed and approved by a disinterested group of officers and/or directors.

Any director, officer or employee can report, anonymously, if they want, violations of the above Code of Ethics directly to Stephen Bachelder, an independent director and member of our Audit Committee and Chairman of our Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Bachelder will then inform the other independent directors Messrs. Hallman, Collins, and Kreft and they will determine whether a violation has occurred, according to the standards outlined above, hold a formal meeting, if required, to question the officer, employee or director reported, and if necessary recommend a disciplinary remedy, termination, or notify the appropriate legal authorities. We have established a confidential email and hotline for employees to report violations of our Code of Ethics or other company policy and to report any ethical concerns.