Integrity and compliance with accepted corporate governance standards are key prerequisites for stable supply relationships, market access, and trust in the STIHL brand. Violations of anti-corruption, antitrust, or human rights regulations can entail significant legal and financial risks as well as reputational damage. Good corporate governance is therefore directly tied to STIHL’s long-term competitiveness.
Standardized anti-corruption guidelines
In 2025, the STIHL Group further strengthened its Group-wide compliance management system (CMS). This system is based on the pillars of prevention, early detection, and response, specifically targeting anti-corruption and compliance with antitrust regulations. In terms of organization, we follow the Three Lines of Defense model: operational responsibility within the departments, oversight by higher-level risk and compliance functions, and Internal Audit as an independent monitoring body. To strengthen the internal regulatory framework provided by the CMS, we introduced a Group Standard in 2025 featuring binding, uniform requirements for anti-corruption structures and processes, replacing various local standards.
Additionally, STIHL continued and updated its mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning module. By the end of 2025, approximately 96 percent of employees in high-risk roles – including senior management and purchasing, sales, marketing, and finance staff – had completed the training.
No cases of corruption or bribery
Suspected compliance violations can be reported by employees and external stakeholders via the Integrity Line whistleblowing system. STIHL Group companies ensure that all reports are treated confidentially and are only reviewed by authorized personnel. STIHL reviews all reports in accordance with a defined review and investigation process. Findings are incorporated into the continuous development of the CMS.
There were no cases of corruption or bribery involving STIHL employees in the reporting year. No fines were imposed in connection with anti-corruption or antitrust violations.
This chapter is an excerpt from the voluntary sustainability statement that the STIHL Group submitted for the first time in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the 2025 financial year.
Download full sustainability statement