ARTICLE
23 November 2014

Anti-Bribery And FCPA Compliance Guide For U.S. Companies Doing Business In India

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Foley & Lardner

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Foley & Lardner LLP looks beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and their industries. With over 1,100 lawyers in 24 offices across the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia, Foley approaches client service by first understanding our clients’ priorities, objectives and challenges. We work hard to understand our clients’ issues and forge long-term relationships with them to help achieve successful outcomes and solve their legal issues through practical business advice and cutting-edge legal insight. Our clients view us as trusted business advisors because we understand that great legal service is only valuable if it is relevant, practical and beneficial to their businesses.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 ("FCPA") presents significant liability, risks, and compliance challenges for U.S. firms pursuing business opportunities in India.
United States Criminal Law

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 ("FCPA") presents significant liability, risks, and compliance challenges for U.S. firms pursuing business opportunities in India.

U.S. regulators have brought numerous FCPA enforcement actions based on business activities in India, including actions against companies such as Oracle, Tyco International, Dow Chemical Company, Pride International, Textron, and Diageo.

In general, the FCPA makes it a federal crime to promise, offer, or make a bribe, directly or indirectly, to a foreign official to retain business or to secure an improper business advantage. The FCPA also requires companies that are traded on a U.S. stock exchange to maintain accurate books and records and to use an adequate system of internal financial and accounting controls.

Likewise, India's growing commitment to anti-corruption efforts has resulted in an increase in enforcement actions by Indian authorities. India's principal anti-corruption legislation is the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA), which criminalizes the bribery of public servants. The PCA operates in conjunction with numerous other anti-corruption regulations and rules applicable to corporate entities operating in India, including but not limited to the various Conduct Rules for Public Servants, provisions of Indian Company law, administrative regulations, and binding integrity pacts for public procurement.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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