Question 1

What are the phases of CBAM implementation?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being implemented in two phases: a transitional phase and a permanent phase.The CBAM transitional phase runs from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 and requires EU importers to report the embedded greenhouse gas emissions of in-scope goods on a quarterly basis, without purchasing CBAM certificates.The CBAM permanent phase begins on January 1, 2026. From this point forward, importers must submit annual emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates to cover a growing share of embedded emissions, with full financial coverage required by 2034.

Question 2

What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU regulation that places a carbon price on certain imported goods based on their embedded emissions.CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by ensuring imported products face a comparable carbon cost to goods produced within the EU under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The regulation currently applies to carbon-intensive goods such as iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen, and requires importers to calculate and report emissions using defined EU methodologies.

Question 3

What is a CBAM certificate?

Accepted Answer

A CBAM certificate is a tradable unit that represents one tonne of CO₂-equivalent emissions embedded in imported goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.During the CBAM permanent phase, EU importers must purchase and surrender CBAM certificates annually to account for the emissions associated with their imports. Certificate prices are linked to the average EU ETS carbon price, and the number of certificates required may be reduced if a carbon price was already paid in the country of origin. Accurate supplier emissions data helps minimize certificate costs.

Question 4

Why are suppliers receiving more data requests from customers?

Accepted Answer

Due to increasing geopolitical uncertainty, shifting buyer expectations, and rapidly evolving regulations, suppliers are facing significantly more inquiries about their product and supply chain data. Some suppliers have seen up to a 500% year-over-year increase in requests. Managing this increase with manual processes or spreadsheets is no longer sustainable. AI-native technology and expert support are now essential for keeping up.

Question 5

How does Assent support suppliers in managing complex data requirements?

Accepted Answer

Assent combines AI-native automation with real human guidance. The platform simplifies data submission, allows you to upload data once and share it with multiple customers, and provides clear workflows. Meanwhile, supplier success specialists offer hands-on support, clarify requirements, provide training, and deliver supplier-focused education, turning overwhelming demands into manageable steps.

Question 6

What benefits do suppliers gain from using the Assent Sustainability Platform?

Accepted Answer

The platform acts as a central hub for responding to customer requests quickly and accurately. Assent specialists help suppliers get set up, navigate the system, configure catalogs and parts, and remove roadblocks. This leads to higher submission rates, fewer errors, and reduced workload, especially with tools like Request Manager, which allows suppliers to manage all data requests in one place,  even from companies not using Assent.

Question 7

How does Assent ensure ongoing success for suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s approach includes proactive issue resolution and continuous product improvement. Supplier success specialists help identify problems early, prevent repeated issues, and streamline workflows. They also gather real supplier feedback that guides updates to the platform, campaign strategy, and overall customer success approach, ensuring the system continually aligns with supplier needs.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

What is the BIS 50% Rule (Affiliates Rule)?

Accepted Answer

The BIS 50% Rule is a new U.S. export control requirement that extends Entity List and MEU List restrictions to any company that is 50% or more owned (directly or indirectly) by one or more listed entities. This includes subsidiaries, holding companies, offshore structures, and multi-layer corporate ownership.

Question 16

When will the BIS 50% Rule be fully enforced?

Accepted Answer

The rule becomes fully enforceable in November 2026, but early preparation is essential due to the difficulty of uncovering hidden ownership relationships.

Question 17

What are the risks of BIS 50% Rule non-compliance?

Accepted Answer

Organizations face export privilege loss, regulatory penalties, and significant shipment delays. Many companies now search for BIS 50% Rule penalties and export control enforcement as enforcement tightens.

Question 18

How does Assent support BIS 50% Rule compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s Enhanced Entity Screening integrates AI-powered analysis, ownership tracing, and expert review to:Identify complex indirect ownership chainsUncover offshore or layered affiliatesConsolidate beneficial ownership data across jurisdictionsApply OFAC and BIS style 50% ownership logicProduce defensible evidence for audits and licensing decisions

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