Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol
Third-Party Verification for Diamonds, Gold, and the 3Ts to Ensure a Conflict-Free Supply Chain
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Vikas Ahuja
What is Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol?
The Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocol (SRSP) is a guide for Signet suppliers to ensure that all products which include diamonds, gold, tin, tungsten, and tantalum provided to Signet are conflict-free. Compliance with Signet’s SRSPs is an annual requirement for all Signet suppliers. Suppliers will be notified of the requirement for an audit by the SRSP Project Team on a representative sample basis, in accordance with the SRSP audit policy. SRSP is a pathway to additional jewelry certifications—ask us about bundling discounts.
Why Choose SCS?
SCS is a Signet-approved partner for SRSP verification. Our auditors guide suppliers through all aspects of the verification process. Upon successful verification, suppliers receive an SCS-issued certificate to convey compliance to their customers without divulging sensitive supply-chain information. The protocol itself supports the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and has followed this guidance in the development and implementation of the SRSP. Compliance with the SRSP requires all suppliers to follow the same procedures in conducting due diligence on their own supply chains.
All suppliers of jewelry to Signet are required to undertake due diligence on their own supply chains and have it audited in accordance with the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance 5-step framework to ensure that these supplies are responsibly managed and are “conflict-free” and sourced with respect for human rights.
- Process
- Standards
- FAQs
- Benefits
- Scoping and Project Initiation:
- Client and SCS confirm scope of project.
- Client signs Work Order and returns to SCS to initiate project.
- Data Collection
- SCS provides an overview of project milestones.
- SCS Auditor works with client to collect necessary data.
- Verification
- Auditor reviews data and drafts report for client approval.
- Upon successful SRSP Verification, SCS will notify Signet of the client’s compliance to the SRSP. The client will then receive SCS certificates and logos.
- SCS can also provide client marketing support.
- Verification Maintenance
- Compliance with SRSP is required annually.
- Audits of suppliers are requested by the SRSP Project Team based on a representative sample basis.
Timeline: Verification takes on average 3 – 8 weeks to complete from signed Work Order through to final decision. Onsite audits*, if required, are typically one-day audits.
*If sufficient risks or gaps are found, SCS reserves the right to conduct an onsite audit of relevant corporate offices or manufacturing sites.
Through the Signet Responsible Sourcing Protocols (SRSPs), Signet meets the requirements of U.S. law* and annual SEC reporting obligations relating to conflict minerals.
These protocols identify criteria suppliers must meet in order to verify their products as “conflict-free” and are based on existing and harmonized industry guidance and standards including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance.
In order to help minimize duplication of audits wherever relevant and possible, Signet recognizes the equivalence of the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practices certification and SCS Global Services’ Responsible Source certification.
Core Requirements of the SRSPs
- Verification of the documentation used to demonstrate compliance of diamonds, gold, silver, PGMs, tin, tungsten, or tantalum used in manufacturing
- Verification of proper usage of the Signet Warranty Statement
*Specifically H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, often referred to as the “Dodd-Frank Act”, Section 1502
- What kind of documentation do I need to provide?
Documentation should include policy (e.g. terms of business) and transaction documentation (e.g. delivery notes). It should cover the full scope of activity (e.g. that the material supplies cover all material supplied to the company over the period), and show that there is no reason to believe there is any additional risk of contamination of the supply chain from any other source.
The types and quantity of documentation will depend on your operations. Your auditor can provide more guidance or contact SCS for more information.
- How long does the verification process take?
Verification takes on average 3 – 8 weeks to complete from signed work order through to final decision. Onsite audits, if required, are typically one-day audits. The timing of the audit should allow time for the supplier to provide additional information, rectify information, or undertake corrective actions as required by the auditor.
- Do I need an onsite audit?
The audit will most likely just be a desk audit. However, if your auditor finds significant gaps or risks in your documentation, an onsite audit may be necessary. The onsite audit may be at your main office where financial transactions are managed, or at your manufacturing or suppliers’ sites.
Getting your SRSP certification with SCS enables you to:
- Maintain your preferred supplier status with Signet
- Convey compliance to your customers and interested parties without divulging sensitive supply chain information with an SCS-issued certificate
- Listing of products in SCS Green Products Guide
- Efficiently aid in certification ease for additional projects
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