The Tin Code is specifically designed for tin mining, smelting and recycling operations globally and takes into account the expectations of influential and important tin consumers. In order to harmonise information requests from external parties, minimise costs, and ensure comparable reporting and evaluation, all International Tin Association members have committed to adopt the Tin Code and its reporting requirements.
The Tin Code has 10 Principles which are supported by more than 70 Standards. These standards are specific to various areas of the supply chain, with some being relevant to mine operators and others to smelters or secondary recycling companies and vice-versa. Each standard can be considered against a range of indicators designed to guide self-reporting by companies.
The Tin Code encourages engagement and allows for progressive improvement when necessary, with third-party verification as the ultimate desired goal. This approach has been adopted to provide an opportunity for positive change among all operators, including the many small scale and artisanal miners whose livelihoods depend on the mineral sector and who make an important contribution to tin supply.
Our members are fully committed to the Tin Code’s development and implementation.

1. Maintain legal compliance and develop sound policies to improve practices
2. Seek continual improvement of environmental performance
3. Seek continual improvement of health and safety performance
4. Seek continual improvement in labour practices
5. Engage with stakeholders using a participatory approach
6. Manage negative impacts on, and contribute to development of, local communities and indigenous peoples
7. Avoid contributing to serious human rights abuses and conflict
8. Seek to positively influence practices of suppliers of materials, goods and services
9. Encourage the understanding, and safe and appropriate use of tin products
10. Work towards reporting against the ITA Code of Conduct
Listen to a recording from the virtual International Tin Seminar held on 29th June 2021 about reporting and disclosure trends and how the Tin Code has demonstrated measurable progress across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in the tin space. HERE
Resolution Procedure
Our Resolution Procedure sets out how stakeholders may raise concerns about companies, and/or situations at company sites, which are actively participating in reporting against the Tin Code, and/or the management of the Tin Code or the Tin Code reports. This may include the conduct of ITA or ITA members as well as the reported performance of participating companies or assessors.
Grievances are considered to be complaints by affected stakeholders, while whistleblowing reports are considered to be information, which may be provided anonymously, of potential wrongdoing. Both grievances or whistleblowing may relate to the activities of ITA or member companies.
There are three ways to report grievances or whistleblow:
- write to the Supply Chain Standards Manager, International Tin Association Ltd, Unit 3, Curo Park, Frogmore, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DD, UK; or
- e-mail us at [email protected] or
- e-mail us at [email protected]
