LME Responsible Sourcing Requirements

The London Metal Exchange (LME) Responsible Sourcing Requirements apply to producers of LME-listed brands and are designed to ensure that metals traded on the Exchange are responsibly sourced.

The requirements are based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and require LME-listed brands to implement appropriate supply chain due diligence. They also require brands to maintain ISO 14001 environmental management system certification and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system certification, or recognised equivalents.

The LME provides four routes, or “tracks”, through which brands can meet the responsible sourcing requirements:

• Track A – brands align with an LME-approved standard that has been assessed as aligned with the OECD Guidance. This route can also apply where red flags have been identified.
• Track B – brands without red flags can undertake the LME Red Flag Assessment and have it independently audited by an LME-approved auditor.
• Track C – brands without red flags can undertake the LME Red Flag Assessment, which is reviewed by the LME and subsequently published.
• Track D – brands sourcing exclusively from secondary materials can meet the requirements through the LME Secondary Material Sourcing Attestation Form, without implementing the OECD five-step due diligence process.

The LME’s responsible sourcing programme continues to evolve. Since 2025, the LME has increased transparency by making responsible sourcing information for listed brands available through LMEpassport. From 2027, Track C brand producers will be required to disclose attributed versions of their Red Flag Assessments.