The EU Commission has proposed an EU Conflict Minerals regulation that will focus on controlling the importation of 3TG metals and ores (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold). The proposal which is titled “REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL setting up a Union system for supply chain due diligence self-certification of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict affected and high-risk areas” would directly impact importers of the ores and metals, who in turn, tend to be closely involved with the smelters. The regulation is proposed to be a self-certification.

Here’s a useful excerpt from the EU Commission press release:

The Commission proposes a draft Regulation setting up an EU system of self-certification for importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold who choose to import responsibly into the Union. Self-certification requires EU importers of these metals and their ores to exercise ‘due diligence’ – i.e. to avoid causing harm on the ground – by monitoring and administering their purchases and sales in line with the five steps of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance. The aim is to act at the most effective level of the EU supply chain for these minerals and to facilitate the flow of due diligence information down to end users. The Regulation gives EU importers an opportunity to deepen ongoing efforts to ensure clean supply chains when trading legitimately with operators in conflict-affected countries.

Overall, this proposal is good news for EEE manufacturers that tend to be several levels removed from the smelters. However, the draft proposal will now enter the EU regulatory process, including review by the European Parliament which has traditionally taken a strong stand for environmental performance and human rights.

Stay tuned on this blog for further analysis of the draft regulation.