Glossary of elastomer processing
Conflict minerals
Conflict minerals are raw materials whose mining and trade in conflict-affected and high-risk areas can finance armed groups. They mainly comprise tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, known as 3TG. In the EU, Regulation (EU) 2017/821 sets out due diligence obligations for importers of these raw materials.
Which rules apply?
- EU: Regulation (EU) 2017/821 obliges Union importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold to carry out supply chain due diligence.
- USA: Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires listed companies to disclose whether their products contain conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries.
In practice, customers often request this information from their suppliers using the standardised Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT).
Relevance for seals
Seals made of elastomers and plastics generally do not contain any of these metals. Even so, a conflict minerals declaration is now part of the usual supplier documentation, for example in the automotive and electrical industries.
Conflict minerals at SIEGEL
Our declaration on conflict materials in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/821 is available in the download area.
Questions about this term?
Our technical advice
Do you have a specific application or a question about elastomer processing? Talk to us, we will help you with material, process and approval.