14 April 2015
The ECR Group in the European Parliament has today supported a certification system that would encourage importers not to use minerals that are likely to fund conflicts, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The ECR Group in the European Parliament has today supported a certification system that would encourage importers not to use minerals that are likely to fund conflicts, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
European Conservatives and Reformists international trade spokesman Emma McClarkin MEP said that today’s trade committee vote on the measures will create a system so that consumers can easily choose companies that conduct due diligence on their supply chains for materials such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. The agreed system for importers, smelters and refiners would also recognise existing schemes such as the Dodd Frank legislation in the USA.
Following the vote, Miss McClarkin said:
“The thought that the goods we purchase could inadvertently fund bloody conflicts in parts of Africa will fill most people with dread. The system we have agreed gives customers the power to check that companies are carrying out suitable checks before they buy their products.
“We need clear and workable legislation that will give people the information they need when choosing where they buy their goods, so that they know where the minerals contained within have come from.”