I Know the Code

So how does the COBC help me?

• Our COBC helps you navigate.

  It is a user-friendly resource that you can rely on to help determine what's appropriate when it comes to acting with integrity in the workplace.

  The Code promotes:

  • Honest and ethical conduct in all relationships
  • Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in public reports and documents
  • Protection of all confidential and proprietary information
  • Compliance with applicable governmental directives, laws, rules and regulations
  • Prompt internal reporting of any violations of the COBC
  • Accountability for adherence to the COBC by every Cisco employee

• The COBC applies to everyone at Cisco worldwide.

  The Code of Business Conduct applies to all Cisco employees, subsidiaries, and members of our Board of Directors. We also seek to do business with suppliers, customers, and resellers who adhere to similar ethical standards. The COBC is monitored and updated by our Ethics Office.

• No one has the authority to make you engage in
  behavior that violates the COBC.

  You also have a responsibility to watch for potential violations of the COBC and to report them, whether they occur inside Cisco or through external dealings. Refer to “I Share My Concerns” for guidance on how to report your concerns.

• The COBC is extensive...but not exhaustive.

  Because it’s not possible to address every situation, we rely on you to exercise good judgment in your decision making and to ask for help when you have questions or concerns that are not addressed in the COBC.

• Cisco continually monitors laws and regulations
  worldwide.

  We trust our employees to follow the spirit of the law and to do the right, ethical thing even when the law is not specific. In some cases, a country's local laws may establish requirements different from our COBC. If a local law conflicts with our COBC, we follow the local law; however, if a local business practice conflicts with our COBC, we follow our COBC. When in doubt, ask for help.

  Waivers for any part of the COBC must be submitted to and approved by the Ethics Office. Waivers granted to executive officers or members of Cisco's Board of Directors must also be approved by the Board and will be publicly disclosed by appropriate means, along with the reasons for granting the waiver.

• Annual certification of the COBC and other
  supplemental code(s) and guidelines is required.

  Chairman and CEO John Chambers and the Board of Directors require all employees to review, understand, certify and abide by the COBC. You will be sent notifications directing you to complete your certification of the COBC. Employees with certain roles and responsibilities must also complete additional certifications and training:

  Additional Certifications/Training

  • Work with Government Officials in the U.S. – Read and acknowledge Cisco’s U.S. Public Sector Ethics Code and complete the training “Working with U.S. Public Sector Customers”
  • Work with U.S. K-12 Schools or U.S. Libraries – Read and acknowledge Cisco's E-Rate Program Guidelines
  • Work in the Finance Department – Review and accept the Cisco Financial Officer Code of Ethics
  • Work in Global Sales/Marketing outside the U.S. or with global accounts – Complete the online training ”Doing Business With Integrity; Anti-Corruption Laws in a Global Market”

  As part of the on-boarding process, new hires are required to complete the COBC certification (and any other relevant supplemental codes and mandatory training) when they join Cisco. Thereafter, new hires are required to participate in the annual COBC certification.