Is the DDRT mandatory?

The template itself isn’t a legal mandate. It’s an industry standard many OEMs support to streamline disclosures. Still, suppliers can expect customers to request it and demand action on identified risks.

If I use the DDRT, do I still need a supply chain sustainability platform?

Yes. The DDRT standardizes how information is requested and disclosed, but regulators and OEMs still expect verifiable due diligence and corrective actions. A platform like Assent helps you operationalize those requirements and prove results.

Does Assent help with the DDRT?

Assent’s Forced Labor solution complements the DDRT by enabling supplier engagement, monitoring, evidence review, remediation tracking, and standardized reporting across regulations.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory approach that shifts the responsibility for managing a product’s end-of-life—from governments and taxpayers—onto the producers. Manufacturers are required to cover costs for collection, recycling, and safe disposal, and may also need to design products with sustainability and recyclability in mind.

Why should U.S. manufacturers care about EPR now?

EPR is no longer limited to the EU. The U.S. already has 146 EPR laws across 35 states, with packaging rules expanding rapidly in states like California, Oregon, and Colorado. Manufacturers face growing compliance fees, reporting requirements, and recycling targets, making it critical to build EPR programs now.

How can companies manage EPR compliance effectively?

To comply with EPR, companies need strong supply chain visibility, accurate materials data, and systems for reporting across multiple jurisdictions. Platforms like Assent simplify compliance by collecting supplier data, managing reporting workflows, and preparing documentation for Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).