Study on the support system for SME supply chain due diligence : final report

The adoption of Regulation (EU) No 2017/821 means that EU-based importers of tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold from conflict-affected and high-risk areas will soon have to conduct supply chain due diligence as a matter of law. Various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are directly affected by this law, while other SMEs face commercial pressures to implement due diligence (e.g. from customer policies). A study was undertaken with the intention of building EU SMEs' capacity and knowledge to conduct supply chain due diligence when sourcing minerals from conflict-affected and highrisk areas. The study entailed investigation into SMEs falling within the scope of Regulation 2017/821, surveying them on existing due diligence practices, and their preferred means of support. In addition, a primer to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance was produced for SMEs that included frequently asked questions. Further to this, a support system - the "EC SME Support Programme" - was devised in concept, with supporting materials including an educational platform, a due diligence toolbox, training modules, and educational webinars prepared as ready-to-use content. An overarching communications strategy, implementation plan, and recommendations for promotional content to assist in the roll-out of the Programme were also developed.