EU Commission Adopts Guidelines for Social Responsibility (Including Conflict Minerals) Reporting

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On June 26, 2017, the European Union (EU) finalized “Guidelines on non-financial reporting,” to support companies in fulfilling their reporting obligations under current non-financial disclosure requirements. The adoption of the voluntary guidelines will supplement the already existing EU rules on non-financial reporting (Directive 2014/95/EU). Companies falling within its scope have to disclose relevant information on policies, risks and results as regards environmental matters, social and employee-related aspects, as well as respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery issues, and diversity on the boards of directors.

On conflict minerals, the guidelines recommend companies to report whether they are compliant with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines, and disclose key performance indicators (KPIs) on: the proportion of direct relevant suppliers having adopted and implemented a conflict minerals due diligence policy consistent with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance; the proportion of responsibly-sourced tin, tantalum, tungsten or gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas; and the proportion of relevant customers contractually requiring conflict minerals due diligence information under the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.

IPC is directly involved in the OECD implementation and IPC’s E-30 Conflict Minerals Due Diligence Committee will review the guidelines as part of their current review and revision of the IPC-1081, Conflict Minerals Due Diligence White Paper.