compliance
& corporate
social responsibility
Product Compliance & EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility
Over the past decades, especially in Europe, many legal requirements for products and their manufacturers and distributors have been established and developed into the most advanced worldwide.
These requirements primarily serve to protect people and our environment. LINDY stands behind these requirements explicitly and with great commitment and demands the same from its
component and accessory manufacturers.
We distinguish between INBOUND and OUTBOUND requirements.
INBOUND requirements are imposed on products, such as RoHS, REACH, POP, CP65, TSCA, EMC, product safety.
LINDY stands for compliance with these requirements for our products and our component and accessory suppliers.
OUTBOUND requirements are those resulting from our sales activities to customers, governmental supervisory authorities, and corresponding service providers.
These are, for example, product compliance confirmations for customers, the reporting of quantities of WEEE products, batteries and packaging materials placed on the market and the related financing of the recycling and collection
systems.
Product Compliance – INBOUND
Material requirements: RoHS, REACH, POP, CP65 and TSCA
LINDY supports the objectives of RoHS, REACH, POP, CP65 and TSCA, and is fully behind the ban of banned substances and materials like PFAS & MCCP, thus protecting the environment and people.
We constantly strive to remain a pioneer in our market sector and to ban hazardous substances from our products.
For assuring compliance, we use test reports from accredited test laboratories for the products, components, and accessories. However, for practical reasons, a complete analytical product conformity test for each individual production batch is impossible.
The product conformity information we provide is based on laboratory test reports for the products, materials, and components, as well
as our confidence in our suppliers and their declarations of conformity, including that they do not modify materials.
LINDY even goes beyond these industry standards and also regularly conducts its own random RoHS, REACH, POP, CP65 and TSCA and other laboratory tests to assess supplier reliability and ensure compliance of LINDY products.
Further details on RoHS, REACH, SCIP and POP can be found below under a separate point.
EMC, RED, LVD and product safety requirements
We are also fully behind these legal product requirements and all our WEEE products have completed the relevant certifications.
Our CE and UKCA declarations of conformity are based on test reports from accredited laboratories, and the labels on our products prove this.
OUTBOUND Compliance
INBOUND compliance is largely harmonised in Europe, so that our products meet the European requirements and can be sold in Europe (EU, CH & UK).
We explicitly do not support sales into and the requirements of the EEU (Russia, Belarus, …).
OUTBOUND compliance is regulated via framework directives in the EU and England, but the requirements are legally regulated so differently in each country that each market operator placing
products on the market has to comply with the legal requirements in the country where he sells to end users.
LINDY itself covers all these requirements with LINDY’s subsidiaries in the following countries: Germany, England, France, Italy, Spain. Furthermore, we cover all requirements in Switzerland, in Portugal via our partner company, as well as WEEE requirements in Luxembourg.
Detailed information on registration numbers according to the WEEE, Battery and Packaging
Directives as well as legal information on the respective topics and corresponding recycling information and on cooperating collection systems can be found on our respective country pages at the footer of the website.
For legal reasons, in all other countries our local distributors and B2B customers are themselves responsible for compliance with local legal requirements under the EU directives for WEEE, batteries and packaging waste since they are the market operators placing product on their local market
OUTBOUND – Customer information
We exclusively supply B2B customers. Upon reasonable request, we provide CE declarations of conformity to customers, many declarations are already available on our product websites.
We inform about REACH SVHC on every invoice and delivery note with a reference to the following section with our REACH and POP declarations.
Upon reasonable product-related request, we also provide individual product-related information on contained SVHC, SCIP numbers and TSCA and California Proposition 65 compliance.
Download this Product Compliance and EPR statement as PDF
REACH & POP REGULATIONS and EU scip database
Lindy supports the aims of RoHS, REACH and POP and declares its full support for protecting the environment and the population. Lindy is continuously striving to stay a pioneer in our market sector and to keep any hazardous substances out of our products.
The REACH Regulation addresses chemical substances, and their potential impact on human health and the environment.
REACH Article 67 and Annex XVII define approximately 70 substance class restrictions for certain use cases and product classes. We assure you that our products are, to the best of our knowledge and verification, REACH Article 67 and Annex XVII compliant.
REACH Article 33 defines a duty to inform if products contain substances of very high concern (SVHC) with a threshold value above 0.1% (1000 ppm). The list of SVHC is updated and extended every 6 months by the EU and can be found on the European Chemicals Agency website: https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table.
We assure you that, to the best of our knowledge and according to our tests, the majority of our products do not contain SVHC with more than 0.1% according to Article 33 of the REACH Regulation.
For the following listed products this statement does not apply, and we hereby inform you that the products contain the following SVHC:
· Products which use lithium button cells of the type CR2032, CR2025 or CR2016 or similar in an enclosed remote control contain the electrolyte EDGME as SVHC, as is the case with all well-known manufacturers of lithium button cells.
· Products that come with a power supply unit with interchangeable plugs of the Euro, UK, US or Australian socket type contain brass with a lead content of up to a maximum of 4% in the interchangeable plugs, as is the case with almost all well-known power supply manufacturers.
· Products that come with a power supply unit or in which a power supply unit is integrated contain lead compounds in thermally highly charged electronic components, namely lead as an SVHC, as is the case with almost all well-known power supply unit manufacturers.
· Products that use electronic thermally highly charged components usually for voltage regulation and power supply such as diodes and MOSFET contain lead compounds, namely lead as SVHC, as with the vast majority of all manufacturers.
· Products containing brass components with up to 4 % lead, e.g. screws, threaded inserts, DC appliance plugs and sockets, 3.5 mm and RCA connectors, LC and SC connectors, as is the case with the vast majority of manufacturers.
Please also refer to our specific REACH Article 33 statements for Lead (Pb) in products relating to electronic and electric equipment (EEE) and for the electrolyte EDGME in Lithium button cells on the following page: www.lindy.com/eu/reach/.
EU SCIP database: Since 5 January 2021, all products that contain more than 0.1% of a SVHC in a component according to REACH Article 33 must be registered in the SCIP database of the EU. We register all our products in the SCIP database accordingly. All distributors and retailers, at least wholesalers, as well as companies that use LINDY products in their own more complex products, are also subject to this obligation in the EU. We provide all these customers with an Excel file for a Simplified SCIP Notification of all applicable LINDY products, always up-to-date here. This file is regularly updated with new products and SVHC. Our B2B customers can also find this information in the password-protected B2B section of our EU websites in the header under Customer Service.
The EU POP Regulation addresses the production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk to health and the environment. The Regulation defines prohibitions of use as well as concentration limits for substances in articles for certain product classes. We assure you that our products are, to the best of our knowledge and verification, POP compliant.
Lindy Product Compliance
As a leading company in our sector, you can be sure that we will not introduce any products to market which do not meet with relevant guidelines and laws.
Currently European and UK product compliance requirements such as POP, RoHS and REACH are the most stringent and advanced. In many countries worldwide, POP, RoHS and REACH requirements have been adopted or are in implementation. These regulations are made to protect people and the environment.
For practical reasons, the complete analytical product compliance testing of all materials, components, and parts from all suppliers for each individual production run is not possible. The product compliance information we provide is based on initial laboratory test reports for the products, materials, and components, as well as on our ongoing assessment of our suppliers.
In addition, Lindy goes beyond these industrial standards and regularly carries out random laboratory RoHS, REACH, POP, CP65 and TSCA tests to assess the reliability of suppliers and to ensure compliance for Lindy products.
We ask customers who use BOMcheck to contact us.
Download the REACH and POP compliance document as a PDF
Conflict minerals
Since mid-2014, the US Dodd Frank Act has obliged US listed companies to disclose and report on the use of conflict minerals and metals extracted from them. LINDY itself is not subject to these
obligations.
Also not according to EU Regulation 2017/821 on conflict minerals, which only affects importers and direct processors of conflict minerals and metals.
Nevertheless, we would like to provide you with the necessary answers and information on this topic, as far as possible.
A high number of our products requires a large number of suppliers and production facilities. The majority of over 2000 cables and electronic products are manufactured to our specifications in
Taiwan and China.
The procurement of raw materials is often outside our direct sphere of influence, and there are often several stages in the supply chain up to the smelters or metal producers, especially for electronic products. We have compiled the results of our supplier survey in our CMRT.
Please download our CMRT from:
https://public.centerdevice.de/12f5ae46-e1a8-4a29-8e41-63940026ff59
Please also note the following background information:
The 3TG metals extracted from the conflict minerals are tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold. In our products, tantalum is widely used in electronics for capacitors, tin for solder on circuit boards and for
soldering connectors to cables, tungsten to a lesser extent in chipsets, and gold as a coating on connector contacts and in chipsets.
Minerals designated as conflict minerals under the Dodd Frank Act originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the neighbouring states. There they are partly dismantled illegally and also serve to finance local conflicts, especially for many local rebel groups. This problem has been improved since 2014. In parallel, certified supply chains have also been established in these conflict
areas, particularly with EU support. A lot of progress has been made for 3T metals in the past years.
But effectively this is only possible to a very limited extent for gold, especially because 1kg of gold can and is simply extracted in comparison in an already pure way, and smuggled, and represents a
comparatively high value of about 60,000$. For the other 3T metals, the value is lower by a factor of 1000 and the extraction process is much more complex.:
Download LINDY CMRT 2023
corporate social responsibility
Preamble
The Lindy Group and its member companies affirm their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a part of their global business activities. Lindy’s Code of Conduct for Corporate Social Responsibility (hereinafter called ‘CSR‘) acts as a guideline in the industry regarding working conditions, social and environmental compatibility, transparency, collaboration and dialogue that is marked by trust.
Developed and agreed to by the German Central Association of the Electrical and Electronics Industry (ZVEI) and its member companies, the content of this CSR is an expression of ZVEI’s collective core values as they are defined in the vision and mission statements and especially as they are affirmed in the social market economy.
This CSR is designed as a self-imposed obligation that can be signed by member and partner companies. By providing this CSR, ZVEI assists them in responding to different general conditions in a global market and in facing challenges and social expectations that come from intensified collaboration from within the value chain.
1. Basic Understanding of Social Responsibility in Corporate Management
A mutual, basic understanding of social responsibility in corporate management forms the basis of this CSR. This means Lindy assumes responsibility by bearing in mind the consequences of its business decisions and actions on economic, technological, social and environmental levels and brings about an appropriate balance of interests. Lindy voluntarily contributes to the well-being and long-term development of a global society at every point it can and in the locations where it is in business. It is geared towards universally held ethical values and principals, especially integrity, honesty and respect of human dignity.
2. Where the CSR applies
2.1 This CSR is in effect for all Lindy Group companies and business units worldwide.
2.2 Lindy commits to promoting adherence to the content of this CSR at every point it can for its suppliers and in other parts of the value chain.
3. Core Values for Social Responsibility in Corporate Management
Lindy will proactively work to ensure that the values mentioned below are put into practice and adhered to, both now and in the future.
3.1 Adherence to Laws
Lindy will abide by the laws in effect and other legal requirements of the countries where it is in business. For countries that have a weak institutional framework, the company will carefully examine what good company practices from their home country should be applied to enable supportive, responsible company management.
3.2 Integrity and Organizational Governance
3.2.1 Lindy gears its activities towards universally held ethical values and principals, especially integrity, honesty, respect of human dignity, openness and non-discrimination based on religion, ideology, gender and ethnicity.
3.2.2 Lindy rejects corruption and bribery as stated in the relevant UN Convention. It uses suitable means to promote transparency, trading with integrity, responsible leadership and company accountability.
3.2.3 Lindy pursues clean and recognized business practices and fair competition. In regards to competition, it focuses on professional behaviour and high standards of quality for work. It fosters partnership and trusting interaction with the supervisory authorities.
3.3 Consumer Interests
To the extent consumer interests are affected, Lindy abides by regulations that protect the consumer, as well as appropriate sales, marketing and information practices. Groups that are in special need of protection (e.g. protection of minors) will receive special attention.
3.4 Communication
Lindy will communicate in an open way and is oriented towards dialogue about the requirements of this CSR and about its implementation among employees, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. Every document and all information will be duly produced. They will not be unfairly changed or destroyed. They will be properly stored. Confidential company information and partner’s business information will be handled sensitively and will be kept in confidence.
3.5 Human Rights
Lindy is committed to promote human rights. It respects human rights stated in the Charter of the United Nations, especially those named in the following:
3.5.1 Privacy
Protection of privacy.
3.5.2 Health and Safety
Ensuring health and work safety, especially the guarantee of a safe and health-promoting work environment, avoiding accidents and injuries.
3.5.3 Harassment
Employee protection against bodily punishment and against physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
3.5.4 Freedom of Conscience
Protection and guarantee of the right to freedom of conscience and freedom of expression.
3.6 Working Conditions
Lindy abides by the following core work standards from ILO:
3.6.1 Child Labour
The prohibition of child labour, i.e. the employment of persons younger than 15 years old, as long as the local legal requirements do not specify a higher age limit and as long as no exceptions are permitted.
3.6.2 Forced Labour
The prohibition of forced labour of any kind.
3.6.3 Wage Compensation
Work standards concerning compensation, especially in regards to the level of compensation as stated in the laws and requirements that are in force.
3.6.4 Employee Rights
Respecting the rights of the employee to freedom of association, freedom of assembly and collective bargaining, as long as this is legally permitted and possible in the respective country.
3.6.5 Prohibition of Discrimination
Treatment of all employees in a non-discriminatory fashion.
3.7 Hours of Work
Lindy abides by work standards concerning the longest permitted time of
work.
3.8 Environmental Protection
Lindy fulfils the requirements and the standards for environmental protection that affect their operations and acts in an environmentally conscious way at all locations where it is in operation. For additional responsibility with natural resources, it holds to the principles from the Rio Declaration.
3.9 Civic Commitment
Lindy contributes to the social and economic development of the countries and regions where it is in business and promotes appropriate, volunteer activities information by its employees.
4. Implementation and Application
Lindy will make every appropriate and reasonable effort to implement and to apply the principles and values described in this CSR both now and in the future. Contractual partners will be informed about the basic measures upon request and within the scope of a reciprocal cooperation, so that it becomes observable how these measures are fundamentally guaranteed. No right exists to disseminate operational or business secrets related to competition or any other that is in need of protection.
The Code of Conduct expresses our own commitment to corporate social responsibility, and it is our sincere hope that as many companies as possible will adopt it. If you want to agree that CSR and accept and sign the version as provided by the German ZVEI please visit the website of the ZVEI: https://www.zvei.org/en/subjects/sustainability/zvei-code-of-conduct
Download the Corporate Social Responsibility document as a PDF