Statement from Schwarz regarding the use of “conflict materials”.
On August 22, 2012, the US Securities and Exchange Commission implemented the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act and issued regulations on reporting and disclosure with regard to the use of “conflict materials”.
The Dodd-Frank Act defines the term “conflict materials” as the raw materials tin, tantalum, tungsten, columbite, gold and their derivatives that are mined in conflict areas such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighboring states.
The aim is to curb or prevent the trade in conflict minerals originating from the DR Congo and its neighboring countries, which contribute to financing the armed conflicts there.
Schwarz is not subject to US legislation and is therefore not bound by the reporting requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. Nevertheless, we are aware of the importance of this regulation and take our responsibility towards the environment, health, safety and human rights seriously and understand that our conduct in business has an impact on society and the environment.
We do not source any conflict materials or their derivatives from conflict regions! Together with our suppliers, we are working to create the necessary transparency in the supply chains and to be able to pass on reliable information to our customers.
At present, we have no information that conflict materials are used in our supply chain.
