Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Question 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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.

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What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

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Country of Origin 101: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant

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Rooted in Responsible Sourcing: Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation

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