Question 1

What to look for in a supply chain sustainability management software?

Accepted Answer

A strong platform does more than collect supplier data, it should also help you stay compliant as regulations evolve and proactively identify risks. Look for product compliance software that combines regulatory updates, automated data validation, and support from regulatory experts.  The best solutions turn complex compliance demands into clear, actionable insights that give you a competitive advantage. Ask potential vendors for customer success stories and independent third-party analysis of their platform.

Question 2

What should organizations look for when evaluating data security in supply chain management software?

Accepted Answer

Data protection should be treated as a core business risk, not a technical detail. Look for software providers that follow recognized security frameworks such as SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001, apply encryption and access controls, and maintain transparency around data storage, ownership, and governance.

Question 3

How does supply chain sustainability management software keep up with changing regulations?

Accepted Answer

Regulations like REACH, RoHS, and PFAS restrictions evolve constantly, making it critical that your software provider stays ahead of updates. Assent’s in-house regulatory experts continuously monitor and interpret global compliance changes, ensuring the platform, substance lists, and templates are updated in real time. This expert-driven approach means you’re always working with the most current information, supported by specialists who understand how new laws impact your products and market access.

Question 4

What’s the difference between a low-cost supply chain solution and a high-value one?

Accepted Answer

Low-cost platforms typically automate basic data collection and reporting, while high-value solutions connect compliance, supplier management, and analytics in one system. A robust supply chain sustainability software platform integrates regulatory intelligence, supplier engagement, and predictive insights to enable proactive risk management and measurable productivity gains.

Question 5

How can I measure the ROI of a supply chain or product compliance software investment?

Accepted Answer

ROI should reflect both cost savings and performance improvements. The strongest indicators include faster supplier response rates, reduced manual data validation, lower external consulting costs, and improved market access. Assent users have reported 2–3X productivity gains when compliance data drives business decisions rather than just meeting reporting requirements.

Question 6

Where do manufacturers see the greatest time and cost savings from supply chain software?

Accepted Answer

The biggest impact comes from automation that replaces data analysis and compliance risk mitigation, including supplier outreach, data validation, and regulatory updates. By centralizing and validating data automatically, teams spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time reducing risk or preparing for audits. Over time, these efficiencies cut administrative overhead and shorten time-to-market. One Assent customer, Pico Technology, saved approximately 2,000 staff hours annually by implementing Assent’s platform.

Question 7

How can I tell if a product compliance platform will deliver long-term value?

Accepted Answer

Look for signs of scalability and expertise. A future-ready platform should evolve with new regulations, integrate seamlessly with ERP and PLM systems, and include access to compliance experts who guide ongoing program growth. That combination — technology plus expertise — is what defines a sustainable ROI.

Question 8

Why are supply chain regulations being delayed in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory delays are happening because governments are upgrading the systems used to collect and verify compliance data. For example, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and EU Batteries Regulation (EUBR) are being aligned with new corporate due diligence laws. These changes are designed to create consistent, digital, and enforceable reporting standards across markets — not to weaken or remove existing requirements.

Question 9

Do supply chain regulation delays reduce the amount of compliance data manufacturers need to report?

Accepted Answer

No. They’re becoming more structured. Regulators are harmonizing rules across markets, meaning manufacturers will soon be submitting similar types of product, material, and sourcing data through interconnected systems. Acting now helps ensure your internal data is organized to meet those future requirements smoothly.

Question 10

How can manufacturers use regulatory delay periods to strengthen product compliance and sustainability programs?

Accepted Answer

This is the right moment to test your data collection processes, train suppliers, and evaluate your technology stack. Investing in supply chain sustainability software or product compliance software can help you centralize supplier data, automate outreach, and prepare for a more digital reporting environment.

Question 11

What do current regulatory delays reveal about the future of global compliance?

Accepted Answer

The era of manual compliance and supply chain data management programs is ending. Global regulations are moving toward continuous, data-driven oversight where transparency, traceability, and verified reporting define competitiveness. Manufacturers that invest now in digital data management and proactive compliance will be better equipped to adapt to global sustainability rules and gain a competitive advantage.

Question 12

Is the DDRT mandatory?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does Assent help with the DDRT?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

What are the key changes to RoHS lead exemptions?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission has adopted delegated directives to revoke and renew key RoHS lead exemptions, including those for lead as an alloying element in steel, aluminum, and copper, lead in high melting temperature solder, and lead in glass or ceramic components. Some exemptions have been revoked with a phase-out period of 12–18 months, while others have been renewed with a new expiry date of June 30, 2027, or December 31, 2027. These changes could significantly impact global manufacturing supply chains.

Question 16

Who is affected by these changes?

Accepted Answer

Any company placing electrical and electronic products, or their parts, on the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). Affected organizations, including suppliers, need to determine if lead is present in their products or parts and whether they will continue to need these exemptions. Time is limited to transition to lead-free parts or apply for the renewal of necessary exemptions.

Question 17

What actions should companies take to comply with these new regulations?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with suppliers to gain transparency into the use of lead in partsIdentify which exemptions are used in your supply chain for the use of leadEvaluate whether it’s feasible to transition to lead-free alternativesJoin trade associations or working groups to coordinate exemption renewal applications, especially for those expiring on June 30, 2027. Applications for these must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

Question 18

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the EU RoHS Directive?

Accepted Answer

Compliance is the responsibility of manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) into the EU. Manufacturers and importers must self-declare compliance and may face checks or market surveillance by EU member states. If found non-compliant, manufacturers and importers must demonstrate due diligence, including robust communication with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance throughout the manufacturing process.

Question 19

How can Assent’s EU RoHS solution support your proactive compliance efforts?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s EU RoHS solution provides tools to manage compliance, such as:Proactive notifications for RoHS exemption expirationsAutomated product declarations and BOM (bill of material) roll-upsReal-time reporting to monitor compliance statusThese features streamline the compliance process and help producers maintain a strong due diligence record.

Question 20

What is the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, and who is required to comply?

Accepted Answer

The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation is a European Union law that came into effect on January 1, 2021. It requires EU importers of conflict minerals — specifically tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold (3TGs) — to conduct due diligence to ensure their sourcing does not contribute to armed conflict or human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or other conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs). Importers must assess smelters and refiners in their supply chains and submit appropriate conflict minerals declarations.

Question 21

What is a Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) and how is it used?

Accepted Answer

The CMRT is a standardized document developed by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). It is used to collect information about smelters and refiners from suppliers and forms the backbone of most conflict minerals compliance programs. Companies use the CMRT to track the source of conflict minerals in their products and report data as required under regulations like the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act.

Question 22

Does cobalt count as a conflict mineral under the European Union regulation?

Accepted Answer

Cobalt is currently not classified as a conflict mineral under the EU regulation on conflict minerals, which focuses specifically on tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold. However, cobalt has increasingly come under scrutiny due to its sourcing risks, particularly in the DRC, and may be included in future regulatory updates or voluntary disclosure frameworks.

Question 23

How can conflict minerals compliance software support your reporting efforts?

Accepted Answer

Conflict minerals software helps automate supplier outreach, CMRT data collection, smelter risk scoring, and report generation. Advanced tools such as those offered by Assent enable companies to simplify compliance with the European Union Conflict Minerals Regulation while reducing the administrative burden. This software is especially valuable for complex manufacturers managing high volumes of supplier data across global operations.

Question 24

What does a conflict minerals compliance program typically include?

Accepted Answer

A robust conflict minerals compliance program includes several key elements:Identifying in-scope products and suppliersCollecting supplier declarations on material origins (e.g. by gathering CMRTs)Conducting risk assessments on smelters and refinersAuditing data for accuracyPublishing a conflict minerals reportThese steps help companies meet regulatory obligations and support ethical sourcing across their global supply chains.

Question 25

How can conflict minerals compliance software support your reporting efforts?

Accepted Answer

Conflict minerals software helps automate supplier outreach, CMRT data collection, smelter risk scoring, and report generation. Advanced tools such as those offered by Assent enable companies to simplify compliance with the European Union Conflict Minerals Regulation while reducing the administrative burden. This software is especially valuable for complex manufacturers managing high volumes of supplier data across global operations.

Question 26

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

How can companies manage EPR compliance effectively?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

What does country of origin (COO) mean?

Accepted Answer

COO indicates where a product was produced or manufactured. All imports require clear marking of COO, ensuring transparency and accountability for goods crossing borders. It’s the basis for everything from standard customs clearance packets to tariff analysis to compliance with regulations such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). On top of that, a part’s COO determines whether the product or part is eligible for preferential treatment under certain trade agreements.

Question 33

Why is accurate country of origin data important?

Accepted Answer

Accurate country of origin data helps avoid shipment delays, unexpected tariffs, and fines. For some materials like steel or aluminum, importers must also report the country of smelt, pour, or cast — not just where the product was assembled.

Question 34

How can manufacturers stay compliant with country of origin rules?

Accepted Answer

To meet country of origin compliance requirements, manufacturers need traceable, up-to-date part-level data. Using automated trade compliance software helps collect certificates of origin, assign the correct HS/HTS codes, and keep up with changing trade regulations.

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Category: Blog