Question 1

Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Tariffs have become one of the biggest obstacles to manufacturing growth. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 76% of companies cited trade uncertainty as their top concern in early 2025: a 20% jump from late 2024.At the same time, manufacturers expect raw material costs to rise more than 5%, largely due to shifting global tariffs and supply chain disruptions. These new trade barriers are forcing companies to reassess sourcing strategies, supplier dependencies, and cost structures. Uncertainty around import duties, Section 232 tariffs, and global trade agreements means manufacturers need accurate supply chain visibility to forecast costs and stay competitive.

Question 2

How can supply chain data help manufacturers lower tariff costs and qualify for tariff exclusions?

Accepted Answer

With accurate country of origin (COO) and harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) data, manufacturers can apply for tariff exclusions, qualify for free trade agreements (FTAs), and even reduce customs duties. But approvals only go to manufacturers with verifiable COO and HTS data to prove eligibility. The substantial transformation rule also allows tariff reductions when parts from multiple countries are assembled into a product that undergoes significant change but this is only valid with traceable supply chain data.

Question 3

How does Assent help manufacturers manage tariffs and trade compliance more effectively?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers navigate complex tariff requirements and trade regulations through a combination of expert guidance and AI-driven technology. Our platform automates the collection of COO and HTS data, improves supply chain visibility, and ensures compliance with trade regulations, including Section 232, Dodd-Frank Section 1502, and global FTAs.With the largest supply chain data network in the industry, Assent gives you:Accurate COO and HTS data managementAutomated supplier outreach and educationGuidance from trade compliance expertsProven processes for securing tariff exclusions and cost savings

Question 4

What is Bill S-211?

Accepted Answer

Bill S-211 requires companies that produce, distribute, or import goods in Canada to report publicly on how they’ve identified, assessed, and mitigated forced and child labour risks in their supply chains. Manufacturers remain a primary focus area, representing over one-third of all reporting entities in 2024. Compliance now means demonstrating measurable progress in your due diligence program, not simply publishing a report.

Question 5

What are regulators looking for now under Bill S-211 reporting?

Accepted Answer

Following the 2025 deadline, Canadian authorities are emphasizing enforcement and accountability. Reports are being reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of real action. Key areas of focus include:Proof of supplier engagement on forced and child labour risks.Evidence of internal training and clear escalation processes.Year-over-year progress in identifying and mitigating high-risk suppliers.Consistency across global reports, particularly for companies also subject to the UK Modern Slavery Act or upcoming EU Forced Labour Regulation.

Question 6

How does Assent improve Bill S-211 compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers go beyond one-time reporting to build continuous compliance and resilience under Bill S-211 and other global human rights regulations. Our Forced Labour Solution combines AI-powered supplier screening, automated data collection, and audit-ready reporting tools to help companies prove due diligence throughout the year.With Assent, you can:Automate supplier outreach and forced labour declarations.Identify high-risk suppliers through indirect screening and ownership data.Centralize all compliance documentation for annual reporting.Benchmark progress across multiple human rights frameworks.

Question 7

What is the Stop-the-Clock mechanism in the EU Omnibus Simplification Package?

Accepted Answer

The Stop-the-Clock mechanism delays the reporting deadlines under the CSRD and CS3D. It gives large companies and listed SMEs more time to prepare by pushing back CSRD reporting for second- and third-wave companies by two years and delaying the CS3D start date by one year.

Question 8

Does the Stop-the-Clock mean companies can pause CSRD or CS3D preparation?

Accepted Answer

No. The directives still apply, and companies should continue building their sustainability data programs. The delay offers time to simplify processes — but reporting requirements remain.

Question 9

Are non-EU companies affected by the CSRD or CS3D delays?

Accepted Answer

Non-EU companies with EU customers or operations still need to collect supply sustainability data. The timeline postponement gives non-EU companies more time to get their sustainability programs in order.

Question 10

What are conflict minerals and why are they important in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Conflict minerals include tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold (3TGs). Many companies also have responsible sourcing programs for cobalt, lithium, and mica. In 2025, due to rising global conflicts and new sanctions, sourcing these minerals responsibly is more critical than ever to avoid non-compliance and supply chain risks.

Question 11

What’s new in conflict minerals compliance for 2025?

Accepted Answer

Key updates include increased conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), new sanctioned smelters, and the addition of an RMAP-compliant smelter to the UFLPA Entity List. Companies need RCOI data, not just smelter compliance, to stay ahead.

Question 12

What is RCOI and why is it essential for compliance?

Accepted Answer

RCOI stands for Reasonable Country of Origin Inquiry. It ensures companies trace minerals back to their source, not just the smelter. In 2025, RCOI data is crucial to meeting legal requirements and avoiding hidden compliance risks.

Question 13

What is the CMRT and how is it used?

Accepted Answer

The Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is a standardized form used to gather data on 3TG minerals from suppliers. It helps companies comply with regulations like the Dodd-Frank Act by identifying smelters and countries of origin.

Question 14

How can companies build a strong conflict minerals compliance program?

Accepted Answer

Companies should perform a scope analysis, create a clear compliance plan, collect accurate supplier data using the CMRT, and monitor regulatory updates. Tools like Assent’s solution support reporting, smelter risk assessment, and RCOI data collection.

Question 15

What is changing with REACH regulations regarding hexavalent chromium (CrVI)?

Accepted Answer

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is expected to move multiple CrVI substances (already classified as REACH SVHCs) from the REACH Authorisation List to the REACH Restricted Substances List (Annex XVII). This means that substances like chromium trioxide, chromic acid, and 12 additional CrVI compounds will no longer require prior approval but will instead be banned from use in products and parts in the EU market. A restriction proposal is expected by April 11, 2025.

Question 16

Why is REACH moving CrVI from authorization to restriction?

Accepted Answer

The current REACH authorization process has failed to keep up with the high volume of industry requests. Instead of the required three-month review period, CrVI authorization requests have taken an average of 14.5 months, leading to annulled decisions, compliance uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions. An EU ombudsman audit found procedural issues and data quality concerns, prompting calls for a more efficient, transparent process. This led to a full restriction as the preferred solution.

Question 17

What will the new hexavalent chrome restriction cover?

Accepted Answer

The expected restriction will likely apply to articles containing CrVI compounds, especially those with components that may come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. This would expand on the existing restriction under REACH Annex XVII, which currently prohibits leather articles containing CrVI at concentrations of 3 mg/kg (0.0003%) or higher. The new rule could significantly impact industries such as automotive, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

Question 18

How can manufacturers prepare for the CrVI REACH restriction?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers should take proactive steps to ensure compliance before the restriction is finalized. This includes:Engaging suppliers to identify any CrVI usage in the supply chainExploring alternative materials and coatings to replace CrVI substancesMonitoring ECHA updates to stay ahead of compliance deadlinesImplementing a REACH compliance strategy to prevent costly disruptions

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Category: Blog