FOR TIN USERS Trusted responsible sourcing information for tin supply chains
The Tin Code is the tin industry’s ESG reporting mechanism, and Tin Code Assurance adds independent validation so tin users can rely on credible and transparent information.
Why this matters to tin users
Tin users are facing growing expectations to understand how tin is produced and how supply-chain risks are identified and managed, moving beyond checkbox compliance.
The Tin Code is voluntarily implemented by ITA members, smelters and recyclers, to demonstrate continuous improvement against 71 Environmental, Governance, and Social standards, which include key subjects such as Responsible Sourcing and Force Labor.
For downstream companies, the value is having consistent, public, credible information from smelters, that can support risk-based due diligence in line with industry expectations and regulations.
What the Tin Code is
The Tin Code is the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting mechanism adopted by the tin industry.
Companies provide evidence against each standard, and results are published as a Tin Code report on the Tin Code website.
The rating approach (e.g., Third-Party Verified, Conforming, Progressing) is designed to be more informative than a simple pass/fail and to encourage year-on-year improvement.
What “Tin Code Assurance” adds
For key standards (including Standard 7.3 on Responsible Sourcing), smelters are expected to undergo third-party verification audits, producing assurance reports that verify the accuracy and truthfulness of smelters’ due diligence activities.
These assurance engagements are completed by independent registered and experienced auditors. For the actual list of audit firms registered see here.
An independent external assessor then validates evidence and assigns ratings. For standards supported by third-party verified evidence, the assessor reviews the audit’s scope, quality, and findings to ensure consistency and alignment with ITA’s criteria. For a full description of Tin Code Ratings see here.
WHY IT IS USEFUL FOR END USERS (PRACTICAL USE-CASES)
Stronger and more efficient supplier engagement
Tin Code reporting, including validated audit reports and ratings provide tin users with comprehensive yet user-friendly information on smelters present in their supply chain, supporting informed decisions on risk mitigation actions across suppliers
Report content you can actually use
Tin users can use the reports to help confirm and understand a smelter’s management processes, mineral source origin, risk management procedures, upstream supplier engagement, among others
Better support for your own responsible sourcing due diligence requirements
Tin Code Responsible Sourcing Standard is explicitly about supply chain due diligence, aligned to OECD Minerals expectations (management systems, risk identification, CAHRA/source considerations, mitigation, and public reporting)
Regulatory and customer-ready evidence
Tin Code Assurance process is intended to provide useful and accurate third-party audit reports that downstream companies can use to support compliance efforts (e.g. Tin Code reports have been evaluated and accepted by EU National Competent Authorities for compliance with EU Minerals Due Diligence Regulation 2017/821)
Credible Audit Program to support customer demands
Feel confident sharing and discussing the benefits of the Tin Code Assurance and its audit reports as our program and audit criteria are “Fully Aligned” with OECD standards
how to get involved
- Engage with our working groups:to support companies wherever they are on their sustainability journey, we facilitates two distinct engagement platforms, each tailored to different levels of commitment and focus. See more here.
- Keep up to date with our latest developments: Visit our news section to find the latest on audit firms registrations, new smelter reports, and other industry updates.
- Talk to us directly: We are keen on open dialog, feel free to contact us directly for questions and feedback.
- Sonia Marsh, Head of Sustainability
- Sonia.marsh@internationaltin.org
- Daniel Zamora, Sustainability Specialist
- daniel.zamora@Internationaltin.org
- Sonia Marsh, Head of Sustainability
