Question 1

What are EPR packaging laws, and why do they matter for manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging laws make manufacturers financially and operationally responsible for managing their packaging waste at the end of its life. Under these laws, producers must fund recycling, reporting, and waste management programs through Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).In the U.S., EPR is state-driven, meaning compliance varies by state. Manufacturers must track packaging data, report to the appropriate PRO, and pay eco-modulated fees based on recyclability and material composition.EPR laws support a circular economy, reduce landfill waste, and help manufacturers meet sustainability goals.

Question 2

How do manufacturers comply with EPR packaging requirements?

Accepted Answer

Compliance typically involves four key steps:Register and join the appropriate Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).Track and report the types, weights, and recyclability of packaging materials placed on the market.Pay PRO fees, which may vary based on packaging recyclability (eco-modulation).Meet recycling and content targets — for example, post-consumer recycled content in plastics and paper.Manufacturers must also monitor updates to avoid gaps in compliance across states. Using centralized EPR compliance software helps automate reporting and ensures data accuracy across jurisdictions.

Question 3

How can manufacturers prepare for EPR compliance and avoid penalties?

Accepted Answer

The best way to avoid EPR compliance risks is through proactive preparation and consistent data management. Start by identifying where your products are sold, what materials your packaging uses, and whether those materials are in scope for EPR programs. From there, establish internal tracking processes and join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) early.Manufacturers can also reduce costs and risk by designing recyclable or reusable packaging, centralizing reporting data, and automating updates across states as new regulations emerge. Investing in an EPR compliance platform helps ensure you meet reporting deadlines, maintain audit-ready documentation, and stay ahead of rapidly changing state requirements.

Question 4

How does Assent help manufacturers manage EPR packaging compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers simplify and scale their EPR compliance across multiple U.S. states. The Assent Sustainability Platform centralizes packaging data, automates reporting to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and keeps you ahead of evolving requirements.With Assent, you can track material composition, calculate packaging weights, and generate audit-ready reports that align with state-specific EPR laws, from California’s SB 54 to Colorado’s HB 22-1355. The platform also provides real-time regulatory updates, so you’re never caught off guard by new reporting deadlines or scope changes.

Question 5

What are the Minnesota PFAS reporting rule requirements?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota’s final PFAS reporting rule requires manufacturers to report all products containing intentionally added PFAS that are sold, offered, or distributed in the state, including online sales. The rule covers a broad product scope, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE. Manufacturers must submit detailed product information, PFAS functions, and concentration ranges through Minnesota’s new PRISM reporting system. A one-time $800 fee per manufacturer applies, and most reported information will be publicly accessible unless trade-secret protection is approved.

Question 6

What is PRISM for PFAS reporting?

Accepted Answer

PRISM (PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers) is Minnesota’s new online platform for submitting PFAS product data. Launching January 2026, PRISM will serve as the centralized system for Minnesota’s PFAS reporting program and is designed to support multi-state adoption in the future. Manufacturers will use PRISM to register, prepare submissions, report PFAS in products, request waivers, and manage trade-secret claims.

Question 7

What is the Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline?

Accepted Answer

The initial Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline is July 1, 2026. This deadline applies to all in-scope products sold or distributed in the state. Beginning February 2027, manufacturers must report all new products containing intentionally added PFAS by February 1 each year. Ongoing re-reporting is not required unless a product changes, making it essential for companies to maintain a scalable, repeatable PFAS tracking process.

Question 8

What is Section 232 and why does it matter for steel, aluminum, and copper imports?

Accepted Answer

Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act allows the president to impose tariffs if imports threaten national security. Since 2018, this has led to significant tariffs on steel and aluminum, and in 2025, copper was added. Importers must now provide detailed supply chain data (such as country of smelt, cast, melt, and pour) to avoid duties up to 200%.

Question 9

How can importers stay compliant with Section 232 reporting requirements?

Accepted Answer

Importers should:Collect mill test certificates, certificates of analysis, or supplier attestationsEngage suppliers early to ensure smelt/melt data is availableUse trade compliance software to trace metals back to the smelterWork with compliance experts to interpret CBP updates and avoid costly penalties

Question 10

What are the risks of not complying with Section 232 tariff requirements?

Accepted Answer

If importers cannot prove the country of smelt, cast, melt, or pour, U.S. CBP may assume the material originated from a restricted country (such as Russia). This can trigger a 200% duty, shipment delays, or even having goods stopped at the border. Lack of documentation creates significant financial and operational risks.

Question 11

What qualifies a product to be labeled “Made in USA”?

Accepted Answer

To make an unqualified “Made in America” claim, a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This means final assembly occurs in the U.S., and nearly all materials, parts, and processing are of domestic origin. If significant imported content is involved, companies should use a qualified claim (e.g., “Assembled in the USA with imported parts”).

Question 12

Why are “Made in America” claims facing increased enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement is increasing due to a 2026 executive order directing the FTC to prioritize action against deceptive U.S.-origin claims. Combined with existing rules that allow civil penalties, companies making unsupported claims face greater scrutiny, financial penalties, and reputational risk.

Question 13

How can companies ensure their U.S.-origin claims are compliant?

Accepted Answer

Companies should treat country of origin claims as a compliance process by collecting and validating supply chain data, documenting sourcing and manufacturing details, and aligning marketing language with evidence. Claims should be reviewed across all channels — including labels, websites, and marketplaces — to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Question 14

What changed in the 2026 EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) update?

Accepted Answer

The EU Council adopted revisions that postpone the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) while introducing simplification measures. Large and medium operators must comply by December 30, 2026, and small and micro operators have until June 2027. A new category of “downstream operator” was introduced, and certain small or micro primary operators may submit a simplified declaration instead of a full due diligence statement (DDS). These changes provide additional preparation time but do not reduce the regulation’s core due diligence and traceability requirements.

Question 15

What are companies required to do under EUDR by 2026?

Accepted Answer

Companies placing in-scope products on the EU market must demonstrate that their goods are deforestation-free as of December 31, 2020; produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production; and covered by a DDS. This requires tracing commodities to the exact geolocation of the plot of land, conducting a risk assessment, mitigating identified deforestation risks, and maintaining auditable supply chain documentation. Commodities in scope include cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya, and wood, along with many derived products.

Question 16

What are the risks of non-compliance with EUDR?

Accepted Answer

Non-compliance penalties are determined by EU member states and may include fines of up to 4% of total annual EU turnover, confiscation of goods or revenues, temporary exclusion from public procurement, and public naming of non-compliant companies. Beyond financial penalties, the most immediate risk is loss of EU market access. Without a valid Due Diligence Statement, in-scope products cannot legally be placed on the EU market.

Question 17

How should companies use the 2026 delay strategically?

Accepted Answer

The postponement to 2026 should be viewed as a strategic preparation window, not a pause. Companies should use this time to improve supplier engagement, close data gaps in traceability, implement structured risk assessment processes, centralize supply chain data management, and evaluate EUDR compliance software. Building traceability and defensible due diligence processes now will also strengthen readiness for related EU sustainability requirements.

Question 18

What is supply chain sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability is the practice of reducing environmental and social risks across every stage of the supply chain. It looks at where materials come from, how they are produced, and how suppliers operate, with the goal of building resilience and long-term business growth.

Question 19

Why is sustainable supply chain management important?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable supply chain management helps protect businesses from disruptions, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. It also improves efficiency, strengthens supplier relationships, and supports responsible sourcing to ensure products can be sold in global markets.

Question 20

What are the key elements of a sustainable supply chain?

Accepted Answer

A sustainable supply chain addresses:Environmental impacts such as emissions, waste, and resource use.Social responsibility including safe working conditions, fair labor practices, and human rights.Strong governance practices like supplier codes of conduct and ethical business standards.

Question 21

How does supply chain sustainability software help?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability software simplifies the process of collecting supplier data, monitoring risks, and keeping up with changing regulations. It streamlines supplier engagement, reduces reporting fatigue, and gives companies visibility into risks that could otherwise remain hidden.

Question 22

How can a company begin improving supply chain sustainability?

Accepted Answer

The first steps are to document goals, identify applicable regulations, and set clear requirements for suppliers through codes of conduct and data requests. Many companies also partner with sustainability solution providers to gain expertise, implement software, and ensure programs scale effectively.

Question 23

What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a landmark law that prohibits products linked to deforestation from being sold in the EU. It requires manufacturers to perform due diligence to ensure products are:Free from deforestationCompliant with production country lawsSupported by a due diligence statementNon-compliance can result in product bans, legal penalties, and reputational damage, making EUDR adherence critical for companies exporting to or operating within the EU.

Question 24

How does the EU Deforestation Regulation affect supply chain sustainability?

Accepted Answer

EUDR raises the bar on supply chain sustainability by mandating extensive data collection and annual risk assessments. Companies must analyze deforestation risk factors, such as land use, human rights concerns, and traceability to the origin plot. This marks a shift from basic compliance to ongoing, risk-informed due diligence, reshaping responsible sourcing standards.

Question 25

What is a Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how does it support EUDR compliance?

Accepted Answer

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains detailed product information, including origin, materials, carbon footprint, and supplier data. While not mandatory under the EUDR, EU digital product passports streamline compliance by:Centralizing traceability dataEnabling faster, more accurate risk assessmentsSupporting proactive regulatory readinessAdopting DPPs gives manufacturers a scalable way to meet today’s EUDR requirements and prepare for future EU sustainability laws.

Question 26

Which products are in scope under the EU Deforestation Regulation?

Accepted Answer

The EUDR applies to both raw commodities and derived goods, including:Commodities: Cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, woodProducts: Leather, chocolate, palm oil, glycerol, rubber items, pulp, paper goods

Question 27

Why should manufacturers adopt Digital Product Passports now?

Accepted Answer

Proactively integrating digital product passports into compliance programs helps manufacturers:Stay ahead of evolving EU regulations like EUDR and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)Increase transparency and audit readinessReduce manual compliance burdens and future proof their operationsWith global regulations trending toward stricter responsible sourcing requirements, DPPs are a strategic investment for long-term compliance and competitive advantage.

Question 28

What is Bill S-211?

Accepted Answer

Bill S-211 requires companies that produce, distribute, or import goods in Canada to report publicly on how they’ve identified, assessed, and mitigated forced and child labour risks in their supply chains. Manufacturers remain a primary focus area, representing over one-third of all reporting entities in 2024. Compliance now means demonstrating measurable progress in your due diligence program, not simply publishing a report.

Question 29

What are regulators looking for now under Bill S-211 reporting?

Accepted Answer

Following the 2025 deadline, Canadian authorities are emphasizing enforcement and accountability. Reports are being reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of real action. Key areas of focus include:Proof of supplier engagement on forced and child labour risks.Evidence of internal training and clear escalation processes.Year-over-year progress in identifying and mitigating high-risk suppliers.Consistency across global reports, particularly for companies also subject to the UK Modern Slavery Act or upcoming EU Forced Labour Regulation.

Question 30

How does Assent improve Bill S-211 compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers go beyond one-time reporting to build continuous compliance and resilience under Bill S-211 and other global human rights regulations. Our Forced Labour Solution combines AI-powered supplier screening, automated data collection, and audit-ready reporting tools to help companies prove due diligence throughout the year.With Assent, you can:Automate supplier outreach and forced labour declarations.Identify high-risk suppliers through indirect screening and ownership data.Centralize all compliance documentation for annual reporting.Benchmark progress across multiple human rights frameworks.

Question 31

What is supply chain sustainability management (SCSM)?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability management (SCSM) is a proactive approach to achieving long-term sustainability and reducing risks in manufacturing supply chains. It focuses on transparency; compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements; and encouraging responsible sourcing practices.

Question 32

Why is a continuous focus on SCSM critical?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability is a continuous journey and not a one-time effort. Companies need to commit to ongoing improvement and regularly reassess their strategies to keep up with evolving challenges. A new supplier, new regulation, or new customer can introduce a new set of sustainability risks that may require new processes. An outdated (or stagnant) program can put you at risk of falling out of compliance when new substances are added to a regulation, or impact your ESG rating.

Question 33

Why is SCSM important for businesses today?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability management is vital because of increasing regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and competitive pressures. It helps manufacturers mitigate risks like compliance penalties, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage while enabling better data-driven decisions and maintaining operational continuity.Supply chain sustainability management must be integrated into the core business strategy and operations. This includes setting measurable goals, tracking progress, and making supply chain sustainability a reportable key performance indicator for the company.

Question 34

What role do leaders and executives play in SCSM?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability management is not just the realm of compliance and sustainability professionals. Leadership plays a pivotal role in your SCSM program too. Executives must champion sustainability initiatives and embed this value at all levels of the organization.Many companies make ambitious sustainability commitments, but struggle to implement the necessary changes to achieve them without leadership buy-in. Leaders can help an SCSM program overcome factors like lack of internal resources, difficulties in planning, and internal resistance to change.

Question 35

What are the benefits of implementing SCSM?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain sustainability management provides numerous advantages, including:Protection against compliance penalties and reputational risksIncreased supply chain transparencyScalability to adapt to new regulations and goalsEnhanced product compliance and sustainabilityCompetitive edge through proactive sustainability practices

Question 36

Why is transparency vital in an SCSM program?

Accepted Answer

Regular, honest updates about supply chain sustainability help build trust with your stakeholders and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. That means your organization needs to be open about successes and failures. Communication with stakeholders is key; engaging stakeholders and customers in two-way conversations helps you understand their expectations.Aligning actions with stated commitments is important to help you avoid greenwashing. Greenwashing is when companies overstate or misrepresent their sustainability efforts to artificially boost their brand. Being accused of greenwashing not only damages your reputation but also erodes public trust in sustainability initiatives more broadly.

Question 37

How can businesses begin implementing SCSM?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate priorities and stakeholders: Define specific goals and regulations that must be addressed.Enable suppliers: Provide training and resources for accurate data sharing.Collect and manage supply chain data: Use automated tools to gather and analyze relevant information.Monitor regulations proactively: Stay ahead of new and changing compliance requirements.

Question 38

What risks do companies face without SCSM?

Accepted Answer

Without SCSM, businesses risk:Compliance penalties due to regulatory violationsSupply chain disruptions from unforeseen sustainability issuesLosing customers and market share due to poor sustainability practicesReputational damage from forced labor, hazardous chemicals, or ESG non-compliance in their supply chains, among other risks

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