Conflict Minerals Policy

Staples consistently strives to ensure that its suppliers support human rights, conduct their business with integrity and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations (see, for example, Staples’ Supplier Code of Conduct). As a U.S. public company, Staples is subject to the conflict minerals disclosure regulations implemented as part of the Dodd-Frank Act. These regulations require an annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and website disclosure about the use and sourcing of “conflict minerals” (i.e., tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, which we refer to as “3TG”) necessary to the functionality or production of products that Staples contracts to manufacture. The intent of the disclosure rules is to further the humanitarian goal of ending violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries, which has been partially funded by the exploitation and trade of 3TG originating in the DRC region.

To further these goals, and to support the elimination of violence and human rights violations in the conflict region, Staples is committed to working with suppliers that share the same commitment to source responsibly. Accordingly, all suppliers manufacturing products for Staples are expected to cooperate with Staples’ 3TG due diligence process and to take all reasonable steps to purchase 3TG from upstream suppliers that do not fund, directly or indirectly, the armed conflict in the DRC and adjoining countries.

Suppliers and other external parties may contact us at [email protected] if they wish to report concerns or seek guidance on our policy.