SCS Global Services Recognized by Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative as Approved Audit Firm for Conflict-Free Smelter Program
Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that it has been formally approved as a Conflict-Free Smelter Program (CFSP) audit firm by the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI). As a result, SCS is now approved to audit smelters and refiners of tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold (3TG) against the CFSP Protocols.
The CFSP protocols provide the highest level of due diligence available today for assuring that refiners and smelters are not indirectly funding armed conflict when purchasing cassiterite for tin, wolframite for tungsten, coltan for tantalum, and gold. Today’s approval confirms conformance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, and with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The CFSI, founded in 2008, offers multiple programs and services to help companies and their suppliers address conflict mineral issues in their supply chains. CFSP, the organization’s flagship program, relies on third-party auditors such as SCS to verify smelters and refiners as “conflict-free.”
“We are pleased to be an approved auditing firm, and to be able to participate in this important industry-led responsible sourcing effort,” said Neil Mendenhall, Director of Service Development for SCS’ Environmental Certification Services division. “SCS is well positioned to bring our deep understanding of and experience in complex manufacturing supply chains to this collaboration and partnership with smelters and refiners.” For instance, SCS is an established third-party auditor for the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) and Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol (SRSP), assessing responsibly sourced minerals and jewelry, and an accredited third-party certifier for the Alliance for Responsible Mining and more than 80 other environmental and sustainability certification programs worldwide.
SCS earned CFSI approval after months of conducting audits to demonstrate its capacity to perform the assessments at the high level of quality required.
“We expect to see a growing demand for verification now that Europe and other countries around the world are following the US’ lead on this issue,” said Mendenhall ([email protected]; +1.510.452.8031.)
About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services (SCS) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in mineral extraction, green building, manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, jewelry and apparel, and much more. SCS is a benefit corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.scsglobalservices.com
About the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative Founded in 2008 by members of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, CFSI has grown into one of the most utilized and respected resources for companies from a range of industries addressing conflict minerals issues in their supply chains. Over 350 companies and associations from seven different industries participate in the CFSI today. CFSI regularly collaborates with other complementary programs and initiatives in this arena. For more information, visit www.conflictfreesourcing.org