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In order to achieve the greatest possible impact as quickly as possible, it is essential that large numbers of Flemish and Dutch companies and contracting authorities sign up to the TruStone Initiative.

For companies

Importers of natural stone, stonemasons, contractors, construction companies, infrastructure companies, and retail companies in garden, kitchen, and building materials are able to join the TruStone Initiative.

There are various terms and conditions, and tariffs for:

A. Companies that do not import natural stone themselves, and only buy natural stone from Dutch or Flemish importers;
B. Companies that import natural stone, but only materials extracted and processed within the European Economic Area;
C. Companies that import natural stone, including materials extracted and/or processed outside the European Economic countries.

What expects TruStone from companies?

Group A: companies that do not import natural stone themselves:

Companies ask their suppliers about the origins of their materials and about possible risks for humankind, animals, nature and environment;
Companies consider to search for different suppliers if suppliers do not provide information after repeatedly asking or if they do not contribute to mitigating risks.

Group B: importers of materials only extracted and processed within the European Economic Area:

Limited due diligence: companies map the origins of their materials;
Companies annually report confidential on the origins of their materials in a secured webtool to the SER secretariat.

Group C: Importers of materials from risk countries:

Full due diligence: companies research if they themselves, or through their chain of suppliers, are associated with actual or potential risks for humankind, animals, nature and the environment;
Companies report annually and confidentially about the results of their due diligence process in a secured webtool to the SER secretariat. Companies also draft and adjust a plan of action annually;
The secretariat assesses the report and takes into account the company size, the products the company sells or its place in the supply chain for the natural stone sector and the number of years the company has been an member of the TruStone Initiative.

More information: assessment framework

What can companies expect from TruStone?

Companies in group A:

The TruStone emblem to use on their website or in their showroom;
Example letters to question suppliers;
Tools to enlarge consumer awareness for importing companies.

Importers in group B and C:

The TruStone emblem to use on their website or in their showroom;
Guidelines and webinars about the due diligence steps and the approach on risks on specific themes;
Risk analyses on important countries of origin;
Collective projects in which companies, civil society organisations, and governments join forces to tackle risks: at the moment there are projects in Rajasthan, Southern India (2) and Zimbabwe;
Tools to enlarge consumer awareness: for example leaflets and short films;
One-on-one consultations.

A part of the tools is available on our website. Another part is available through a closed web environment accessible only to TruStone Initiative members.

What costs are involved?

The costs vary per group:

Group A: €400 euros a year
Group B: €400 euros a year
Group C: €1200 euros a year as basic rate excluding, and a variable rate of €400 euros a year per supply chain (the amount of factories of which materials are being imported) up to a maximum of €3600 euros a year.

If your company complies with the collective labour agreement Afbouw you will receive a discount on your contribution of €400 euros a year through the O&O-fund Afbouw. This regulation will be evaluated annually.

Please note: for retail chains and contractors or infrastructure companies different rates apply. Please contact the secretariat for more information on this matter.

For Affiliated contracting authorities

Affiliated contracting authorities are also able to become a member of the TruStone Initiative. They could receive advice on the application of International Social Conditions and could gain advice on due diligence on their suppliers. Membership for affiliated contracting authorities is free of charge.

Read more about what the Agreement can do for you.

Information and participation

For more information or to participate please contact the independent secretariat of TruStone at the SER: initiatiefTruStone@ser.nl or (070) 3499 630.