January 17, 2014 – January 24, 2014
The summaries provided in this Weekly Recap do not necessarily represent the views of Squire Sanders (US) LLP and should not be deemed to be endorsements of them. The Recap is intended to be a compilation of articles and events to encourage discussion within the conflict minerals community and to keep our readers updated on the most recent developments.
Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) Releases Position Paper on Conflict Minerals
In its position paper, the ECIA “suggests that component manufacturers could use this template [the EICC GeSI template] to post conflict minerals information on their internet sites to support supply chain members and end users.”
ECIA recommends that component manufacturers not create their own unique template as that may cause confusion in the manufacturer’s supply chain and detract from the efficiency that an EICC GeSI template may provide.
Esterline: Statement on Conflict Minerals
Esterline Technologies Corporation, a specialized manufacturing company serving the aerospace and defense markets, recently released its statement on conflict minerals. Excerpts from the statement follow.
“As a publicly-traded manufacturing company whose products require the use of 3TG to ensure the functional performance specified by our customers, we have undertaken a variety of activities, including the establishment of a Conflict Minerals Policy, to prepare for compliance with the Rule. While we use 3TG in our products, we do not purchase the metals directly from smelters or mines, so we must rely on the source information provided by our suppliers. We are engaged with our direct suppliers to trace minerals back to their origin and ensure responsible sourcing throughout the supply chain. We are committed to accumulating the information necessary for our own reporting requirements, as well as that needed by our customers, in support of the May 31, 2014 reporting deadline specified by the Rule.”
AAFA, NEMA and Others Launch Cross-Industry Conflict Minerals Compliance Center
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, the Toy Industry Association and the United States Fashion Industry Association have collaborated to launch a conflict minerals resource center.
To gain access to the resource center, members must pay a one-time fee of $65.00. Members will have access to several compliance tools such as FAQ’s, case studies and training resources.