Impa act, launched in 2013, is an initiative from the International Marine Purchasing Association (Impa) to encourage shipowners, operators and suppliers to manage their supply chains responsibly.
It does so through the adoption by members of an industry-wide code of conduct – the Impa act supplier code of conduct (SCoC), which comprises a set of environmental, social and anti-corruption principles.
The SCoC may be unique because it was the first industry standard to incorporate the Human Rights Council-endorsed United Nations guiding principles.
Impa acts as a voice for the interests of the purchasing profession within shipping and promotes co-operation between shipping’s buyers and suppliers. Over the past 30 years it has grown to over 600 members worldwide.
It has something to say about human rights at sea and on land, notably in relation to migrant minorities, piracy, the security of seafarers, the legitimate use of force by private security firms, pollution and environment, corruption and bribery at ports.
At the same time, some within the industry say it has been hampered by “code-mania”, making compliance challenging – especially given the shortage of authoritative guidance.
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