diff --git a/standards/CODE.md b/standards/CODE.md
index 6dc0bfc..185e2d4 100644
--- a/standards/CODE.md
+++ b/standards/CODE.md
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ Code that no input can reach is removed, not covered: needing a deliberately bro
 
 ## Asynchronous work and processes
 
-- Use the asynchronous API for file, network and process work wherever one exists; a blocking call is allowed only in a short-lived command-line process.
+- Use the asynchronous API for file, network and process work wherever one exists; a blocking call is allowed only in a short-lived command-line process, or, before an Electron app is ready, for what Electron's calls that work only before `ready` depend on, such as its profile folder and single-instance lock.
 - Every asynchronous operation has an owner that observes its completion and errors.
   Background work has an explicit lifetime and failure path; no unobserved rejections or callback failures.
 - Operations that can stall have documented deadlines and cancellation.