ICC Rules of Conduct : International Cooperation

PART I - Recommendations to Governments and International Organizations

Recommendations for international cooperation

Basic criminal statutes of virtually all countries clearly prohibit extortion and bribery. In the interest of developing consistent standards of criminal legislation in this field, each government should review its statutes to ensure that they effectively prohibit, in conformity with its jurisdictional and other basic legal principles, all aspects of both the giving and the taking of bribes including promises and solicitation of bribes. Where no such legislation exists, the governments concerned should introduce it; in those countries where extortion and bribery are already clearly prohibited, the relevant legislation should be perfected.

Each government should take concrete and meaningful steps to enforce vigorously its legislation in this area. ICC also notes with approval that the OECD has urged governments to re-examine their legislation against extortion and bribery; action relating to the tax deductibility of bribes is of particular urgency. The WTO should involve itself with these issues to support the OECD in the implementation of its Convention and Recommendation.

Foreword

Preventive measures