Responsible sourcing
Responsible sourcing
Guardian Industries position statement
Guardian is committed to sourcing in a socially responsible manner and avoids knowingly using goods, services or raw materials such as tin, tungsten, tantalum, gold (“3TGs” or “Conflict Minerals” as defined by the Dodd-Frank Act), cobalt and mica that support or fund inhumane treatment, including human trafficking, slavery, forced labor, child labor, torture and war crimes. Accordingly, Guardian expects all suppliers in its supply chain to meet the expectations set forth below:
- Supply “DRC Conflict Free” materials
Guardian’s suppliers are expected to supply materials that are “DRC Conflict Free." DRC Conflict Free materials are materials that do not contain any 3TGs that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries. For the avoidance of doubt, any 3TGs from recycled or scrap sources are considered “DRC Conflict Free."
- Determine the origin of any Conflict Minerals
Guardian’s direct suppliers are expected to pass the current Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT), as well as the Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT) for cobalt and mica to their suppliers, who must in turn pass it along to their suppliers for completion, until the smelters/refiners of any 3TGs and extended minerals are identified. The survey information must then be passed back down through the levels of the supply chain to Guardian’s direct supplier, who must complete the CMRT and EMRT provided by Guardian. Guardian’s suppliers are also expected to provide an update of such survey information on an annual basis, as well as any time the sourcing status of any goods they supply changes.
- Adopt a position statement or policy regarding responsible sourcing
Suppliers to Guardian are expected to adopt a position statement or policy regarding responsible sourcing consistent with Guardian’s policy statement, implement management systems to support compliance with their position statement or policy, educate their supply base regarding Conflict Minerals, and require their suppliers to take the same steps.
More information regarding the U.S. Conflict Minerals Rule can be found at: https://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/guidance/conflictminerals-faq.htm.
More information regarding the CMRT and EMRT can be found at: https://www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org/