Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol

1. Scoping and Project Initiation:
• Client and SCS confirm scope of project.
• Client signs Work Order and returns to SCS to initiate project.
2. Data Collection
• SCS provides an overview of project milestones.
• SCS Auditor works with client to collect necessary data.
3. Verification
• Auditor reviews data and drafts report for client approval.
• Upon successful SRSP Verification, SCS will notify Signet of the client’s compliance to the SRSP. The client will then receive SCS certificates and logos.
4. Verification Maintenance
• Compliance with SRSP is required annually.
• Audits of suppliers are requested by the SRSP Project Team based on a representative sample basis.

Timeline: Verification takes on average 3 – 8 weeks to complete from signed Work Order through to final decision. Onsite audits*, if required, are typically one-day audits.

*If sufficient risks or gaps are found, SCS reserves the right to conduct an onsite audit of relevant corporate offices or manufacturing sites.

Through the Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocols (SRSPs), Signet meets the requirements of U.S. law* and annual SEC reporting obligations relating to conflict minerals.

These protocols identify criteria suppliers must meet in order to verify their products as “conflict-free” and are based on existing and harmonized industry guidance and standards including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance.

In order to help minimize duplication of audits wherever relevant and possible, Signet recognizes the equivalence of the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practices certification and SCS Global Services’ Responsible Source certification.

Core Requirements of the SRSPs

• Verification of the documentation used to demonstrate compliance of diamonds, gold, silver, PGMs, tin, tungsten, or tantalum used in manufacturing
• Verification of proper usage of the Signet Warranty Statement

*Specifically H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, often referred to as the “Dodd-Frank Act”, Section 1502

What kind of documentation do I need to provide?

Documentation should include policy (e.g. terms of business) and transaction documentation (e.g. delivery notes). It should cover the full scope of activity (e.g. that the material supplies cover all material supplied to the company over the period), and show that there is no reason to believe there is any additional risk of contamination of the supply chain from any other source.

The types and quantity of documentation will depend on your operations. Your auditor can provide more guidance or contact SCS for more information.

How long does the verification process take?

Verification takes on average 3 – 8 weeks to complete from signed work order through to final decision. Onsite audits, if required, are typically one-day audits. The timing of the audit should allow time for the supplier to provide additional information, rectify information, or undertake corrective actions as required by the auditor.

Do I need an onsite audit?

The audit will most likely just be a desk audit. However, if your auditor finds significant gaps or risks in your documentation, an onsite audit may be necessary. The onsite audit may be at your main office where financial transactions are managed, or at your manufacturing or suppliers’ sites.

Getting your SRSP certification with SCS enables you to:

• Maintain your preferred supplier status with Signet
• Convey compliance to your customers and interested parties without divulging sensitive supply chain information with an SCS-issued certificate
• Listing of products in SCS Green Products Guide
• Efficiently aid in certification ease for additional projects