Question 1

Why are compliance data requests getting harder to manage?

Accepted Answer

They’re growing in both volume and complexity. Regulations like PFAS, REACH, and RoHS continue to evolve, often with little notice, and customers frequently ask for slightly different data in unique formats. The result is constant rework and very little time to keep up — even for the most organized teams.

Question 2

What are the main risks of relying on manual processes?

Accepted Answer

Manual tracking through spreadsheets or email introduces both inefficiency and risk. It’s easy for information to get lost, duplicated, or outdated between submissions, and even a single missed update can delay a customer response or cause non-compliance. Over time, these small issues add up to slower workflows and higher stress for compliance teams.Common issues include:Missed regulatory or customer updatesVersion control errorsInconsistent or incomplete data across requests

Question 3

How can technology make compliance work more efficient?

Accepted Answer

The right tools help by centralizing requests, automating routine tasks, and reusing data instead of starting from scratch every time. A platform can store your declarations once, apply them to multiple customers, and update automatically as regulations change.For example:Declarations can be reused across customers and product lines.Regulatory updates are applied automatically within the system.Teams spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time focusing on strategic work.

Question 4

How does the Assent Sustainability Platform support suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s platform brings compliance management into one system. It shows all your requests in one place, keeps regulatory content up to date, and lets you reuse declarations across customers. By simplifying the process, it helps suppliers stay responsive, confident, and compliant even as demands continue to grow.

Question 5

Which minerals are included in responsible sourcing and SCIP reporting requirements?

Accepted Answer

Responsible minerals programs traditionally focused on the “conflict minerals” (3TGs):TantalumTinTungstenGoldToday, regulators and customers also expect due diligence on extended minerals linked to human rights and sustainability risks:CobaltCopperGraphiteLithiumMicaNickelCompanies should expand their responsible minerals sourcing program to cover both conflict and extended minerals.

Question 6

How can I identify which suppliers are in scope for a responsible minerals sourcing program?

Accepted Answer

Not every supplier must be contacted. To determine scope:Focus on suppliers providing products that contain conflict or extended minerals.Exclude service providers (e.g., legal, accounting) and non-relevant goods (e.g., janitorial supplies, wood, plastics).Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to confirm which suppliers are material to consumer-facing goods.A scoped supplier list makes responsible minerals due diligence more efficient and avoids unnecessary outreach.

Question 7

Which compliance standards and reporting templates apply to responsible minerals sourcing?

Accepted Answer

Global frameworks and tools that guide compliance include:OECD Due Diligence Guidance (the international standard for responsible sourcing programs)Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) for 3TG reportingExtended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT) for cobalt, lithium, and other extended mineralsAligning your program with these standards ensures consistency with regulatory expectations.

Question 8

What are the biggest challenges when engaging suppliers on mineral sourcing?

Accepted Answer

The most common challenges include:Finding the right contact: Procurement lists often contain sales emails, not compliance contacts.Educating suppliers: Some may be unfamiliar with conflict or extended minerals requirements.Managing volume: Large supplier networks make manual follow-up inefficient.Clear outreach — with instructions, deadlines, and links to templates — increases response rates and supplier accuracy.

Question 9

How can technology support responsible minerals sourcing compliance?

Accepted Answer

Technology simplifies supplier engagement, tracking, and reporting by:Automating supplier outreach and data collectionCentralizing supplier responses in one platformFlagging risks tied to smelters or specific mineralsReducing manual follow-up and repetitive requestsEnsuring compliance programs adapt to evolving regulationsSolutions such as Assent’s sustainability platform help compliance teams reduce administrative workload while keeping programs aligned with SCIP and conflict minerals reporting requirements.

Question 10

How do I know if my company is required to comply with California SB 261?

Accepted Answer

Even if your business is not listed on CARB’s preliminary list of ~4,150 entities, you may still be responsible for compliance with SB 261 California. The list is incomplete and does not include exemptions. Each company that meets the law’s thresholds must file a climate-related financial risk report starting in 2026.

Question 11

What’s the difference between SB 261 and California SB 253 (the California GHG emissions law)?

Accepted Answer

SB 261 (California SB 261): Requires companies to disclose climate-related financial risks every two yearsSB 253 (California GHG law): Requires annual disclosure of Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, with third-party assuranceSome companies will need to comply with both, while others may only fall under one requirement.

Question 12

What steps should my company take now to prepare for SB 261 California compliance?

Accepted Answer

Start by reviewing CARB’s preliminary list and completing the voluntary survey to confirm your status. Then, assess your readiness to produce a TCFD-aligned climate risk report by 2026, coordinate across compliance, finance, and sustainability teams, and prepare for overlapping global requirements like the SEC climate disclosure and the EU CSRD.

Question 13

What’s the difference between a point solution and a platform solution in product compliance?

Accepted Answer

A point solution is a standalone tool built to solve one specific compliance task, like REACH reporting or conflict minerals tracking. It’s efficient for a single use case but doesn’t share data or context with other tools. A platform solution, by contrast, unifies all compliance needs under one connected system. It centralizes supplier, material, and product data so teams can reuse information, automate reporting, and make faster, more informed decisions across multiple regulations.

Question 14

Why do point solutions eventually create complexity for manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

At first, a point solution feels efficient because it solves one immediate problem. But as regulations expand and supply chain data grows, each new point tool adds another silo. Over time, managing multiple databases, supplier surveys, and disconnected reports becomes time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. This fragmentation limits visibility, increases risk, and ultimately slows down compliance teams as requirements multiply.

Question 15

Why are manufacturers shifting from point solutions to platform-based compliance systems?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers are recognizing that compliance data isn’t static,  it’s interconnected. A platform approach treats compliance as an ecosystem, not a checklist. By consolidating tools, data, and workflows, platform solutions improve data quality, boost supplier engagement, and enable proactive risk management. The result is a more scalable, future-ready compliance program that supports business growth instead of hindering it.

Question 16

Why should compliance programs get budget priority during uncertain economic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Because compliance directly protects market access, revenue, and brand reputation. Cutting back can expose your company to costly risks, from shipment delays under trade restrictions to lawsuits tied to PFAS or forced labor laws. Investing in compliance now prevents expensive disruptions later.

Question 17

What's the measurable ROI of compliance investments?

Accepted Answer

Compliance delivers clear, measurable ROI across efficiency, cost, and risk reduction. Key results include:Labor efficiency: Automation reduces manual work by up to 80%, freeing teams to focus on analysis and strategy.Cost savings: Streamlined supplier engagement and reduced consultant fees can save the equivalent of 10–20 full-time employees (FTEs) each year.Risk avoidance: Preventing shipment delays, fines, and lawsuits protects millions in annual revenue and safeguards market access.Time-to-market: Automated reporting cuts response times by up to 80%, helping products reach customers faster.Customer trust: Reliable, verified compliance data strengthens relationships and supports long-term growth.

Question 18

What results have companies achieved with Assent?

Accepted Answer

Assent customers like Ryerson and Argon Medical Devices report up to 80% less manual work, 50% lower resource costs, and faster compliance reporting across thousands of products. These measurable results show how Assent turns compliance from a cost center into a growth driver.

Question 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

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 36

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 37

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 38

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 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

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 43

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.

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