Most professional associations and technical societies, for self-regulating purpose, require their members to commit themselves in ethical practice in accordance with the guidelines set out in a written code of ethics. The HKIE has a set of Rules of Conduct to provide such guidance. If an engineer fails to comply with the code, his membership with the HKIE may be terminated or suspended and without such a qualification, he may be restricted from working for certain engineering projects, particularly those in the public sector.

Professional ethics is a basic qualifying requirement for engineers. For Membership of the HKIE, professional ethics is an important part in training and in professional assessment.