Advocacy

We believe it is important to hold open dialogue on fiscal matters and we advocate fair, effective and stable tax systems. Shell advocates on tax matters to manage the risk and opportunities in a fiscal environment that is constantly changing. As we implement our Powering Progress strategy, we consider all fiscal changes to understand what we need to do to meet compliance and transparency requirements.

Our advocacy covers taxes that are relevant to Shell in the jurisdictions where we operate. As more taxes are introduced, it is important for businesses to engage with policymakers to help them understand the combined impact of new and existing taxation on business. This can help minimise unintended consequences and maintain a stable, sustainable and competitive fiscal environment.

Shell recognises that any advocacy should not improperly influence decisions and should never be misused for any corrupt or illegal purpose. Shell companies do not make payments to political parties and organisations or their representatives and do not participate in party politics.

Governments are responsible for their fiscal policy and resulting laws. We respect the roles and responsibilities of the institutions and organisations we engage with.

Supporting effective tax regimes

We advocate fair, effective and stable tax systems because they reduce uncertainty for both governments and companies. Such tax systems help countries develop sustainable budgets and help companies manage their investments more effectively.

We support a transparent and co-ordinated approach to improving the global tax system where countries work together, build consensus and agree on applicable legislation.

Proposed tax policies should be targeted and proportional. For instance, double taxation of multinational companies should be avoided, as it could deter investment, which could negatively impact job creation and economic growth for the countries or regions involved.

Governments may seek input from different stakeholders through public consultation when they design tax policies. We believe it is important to hold an open dialogue on fiscal matters as new legislation should be effective, practical to administer and should facilitate the collection of taxes. For example, we continue to support the implementation of government-led carbon-pricing systems, including carbon taxes, and recognise them as an essential tool for reducing emissions and tackling climate change.

Shell typically advocates through national and international trade associations. If and when appropriate, we advocate directly with policymakers and in line with local legal, regulatory and other requirements.

Transparency

The Shell General Business Principles define our core values, our responsibilities and the principles and behaviours by which we do business. In all that we do, employees are bound by the Shell General Business Principles and the Shell Code of Conduct.

As part of these principles, everyone engaged in Shell's business, including tax-related activities, must comply with the anti-bribery and corruption laws of the countries where we operate as well as those that apply across borders. This has been made explicit in our Corporate Political Engagement statement.

 In the context of advocacy activities:

• Shell senior executives, including tax and government relations professionals, lead our tax advocacy activities.
• We participate in industry groups that advocate on behalf of businesses.
• We report on our advocacy activities in line with legal and regulatory requirements in the countries where we operate.
• In the EU and the USA, we report on costs relating to advocacy activities in line with the requirements and guidelines set out in the EU Transparency Register and the US Lobbying Disclosure Act. These submissions are publicly available.

Our work with the EITI

We are a founder and board member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

The EITI is the global standard for the good governance of mining and oil and gas resources, which aims to promote understanding of natural resource management, strengthen public and corporate governance and accountability, and provide the data to inform policymaking and dialogue in the extractive sector.

The EITI provides a platform for governments, non-governmental organisations and companies to disclose information that supports greater transparency and responsibility in the extractive sector, including the oil and gas industry.

As a supporting company of the EITI, Shell is committed to advance transparency and good governance in the extractive sector.

We participate in the governance of the EITI internationally as a board member and at a national level through our involvement with several country stakeholders.