Conflict-Minerals-Policy

Posted June 16, 2014

In 2010, the United States Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, on August 22, 2012, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 13p-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The rule is intended to address human rights violations related to mining operation in an area known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC. The minerals mined in this area are referred to as “3TGs,” which refers to the minerals Tin (Sn), Tungsten (W), Tantalum (Ta), and Gold (Au).

Vita-mix Corporation is a privately held corporation and is not directly subject to the Conflict Minerals requirements. However, as a supplier to publicly traded companies, we fully support the spirit and humanitarian aims of this legislation, and will work to help our suppliers comply with it. One of Vita-mix Corporation’s core values is Integrity; as such, we are committed to conducting all business activities in a socially responsible and ethical manner.

Vitamix is not aware of nor does it suspect that any of its suppliers are in violation of the Dodd-Frank regulations. Vitamix has implemented a process through which it will increase visibility into its supply chain as it relates to 3TGs. As part of our due diligence process, Vita-mix Corporation will request completed EICC-GeSI (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and Global e-Sustainability Initiative) forms from our suppliers. This form is the industry standard for the collection of this information and is what Vitamix requires of all suppliers. Vita-mix Corporation also expects our suppliers to undertake reasonable due diligence to determine if the specified metals are being sourced from conflict-free smelters.