Supplier Responsibility

CommScope maintains a reliable supply chain supported by a wide variety of expertise. In addition to our size, reach and operational precision, this diverse supply chain positions us to create effective forms of networked communication. As we continue to expand and grow into new markets, we’re working diligently to support diversity among our employees and within our supplier relationships. Through our Supplier Diversity Program, we promote mutually beneficial relationships with small businesses and those owned by minorities, women and veterans. We also continue to enhance our existing supplier selection, risk assessment and performance evaluation processes.

Supplier Evaluation

In selecting suppliers, CommScope applies a thorough system of checks and balances designed to minimize risk and maximize performance in our supply chain. Current and prospective suppliers undergo the selection, qualification and evaluation steps outlined below:

Our Sourcing Evaluation Team (SET) is comprised of stakeholders with expertise in our procurement, quality assurance, product development processes and other areas as needed.

To build positive long-term relationships, local supplier quality engineers oversee operations and perform initial and regular risk assessments and on-site audits with the suppliers in their region. They also conduct regular performance evaluations and follow up on improvement activities.

All suppliers must acknowledge CommScope’s Supplier Code of Conduct. Our Supplier Quality Manual also outlines some of the basic CommScope expectations, with any variations being outlined in the individual supplier purchasing agreement. All relevant suppliers are expected to follow principles and requirements detailed in our Conflict Minerals Policy, Environmental Product Compliance Specification for Materials and Products including Restricted Substances List; and shall use the Full Material Disclosure Form to submit material content of the parts and/or materials supplied to CommScope.

Transparency in Supply Chain

CommScope is committed to conducting its business in an ethical, legal and socially responsible manner. We expect our suppliers to share this commitment; therefore, we have established our Supplier Code of Conduct.

CommScope suppliers are expected to adhere to this code, which requires them to conduct their businesses in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries, states and localities in which they operate. This includes, but is not limited to, laws and regulations relating to anti-corruption, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and labor practices. We also expect our suppliers to take steps to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their operations and supply chain.

California Transparency in Supply Chains Act Disclosure

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Act disclosure

Responsible Minerals Sourcing

Responsible mineral sourcing is an important part of CommScope’s supplier sustainability commitment. Following our Conflict Minerals Policy and internal Due Diligence Procedure, we have implemented measures in our supply chain to ensure our products do not directly or indirectly finance or benefit the illegal armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and adjoining countries.  While CommScope does not directly source Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten or Gold (collectively known as Conflict Minerals) from the DRC we conduct an annual reasonable country of origin inquiry (RCOI) into the source of any Conflict Minerals present in our products by collecting data from our suppliers using the industry standard Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT). 

CommScope continues the effort to break the link between mining and conflict in the DRC by following our Conflict Minerals Policy through these actions:  

• Following the due diligence program aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and supplements which focuses on transparency over 3TG supply chains by creating a process to engage suppliers, assess their due diligence efforts, and identify smelters.

• Being a member and contributing to the Responsible Minerals Initiative which encourages smelters to undergo auditing using the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) which identifies smelters which can demonstrate, through an independent third-party assessment,  the minerals they procure do not originate from sources that contribute to conflict in the DRC.
• Proactively reviewing RMI smelter risk data, as well as other public information, and any conflict mineral concerns reported via the externally hosted CommAlert Line.

• Passing requirements in our Conflict Minerals Policy down to our suppliers through supplier agreements, contract requirements and encourage suppliers to use certified sourcing.
• Encouraging identified smelters to participate in the RMAP annually and any suppliers that identify high risk smelters in their supply chain to source alternatively.

• Reporting annually on our supply chain due diligence efforts by filing a Form SD and Conflict Minerals Report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

CommScope takes the issue of conflict minerals very seriously and requires all suppliers to comply with our conflict minerals policy.

Supplier Diversity

As we continue to expand and grow into new markets, we’re working diligently to support diversity within our supplier relationships. Through our Supplier Diversity Program, we promote mutually beneficial relationships with small businesses and those owned by minorities, women and veterans.

CommScope’s Supplier Diversity Mission Statement

CommScope is committed to providing equal access to all suppliers and to promoting diversity in our supply base. Developing a diverse business community contributes to the overall growth and expansion of our markets. CommScope offers all businesses, including minority, woman, and veteran-owned businesses an opportunity to compete on an equal basis. If you have specific questions about our Diversity program, please contact us at SupplierDiversity@commscope.com.

Supplier Opportunities

We follow RFP, RFQ and RFI processes to solicit bids and are continually looking for ways to strengthen the diversity, talent and responsiveness of our supplier pool for the following activities:

Needs change over time along with our evolving business, so view our supplier diversity brochure and register with us if you are a certified diverse supplier. Your profile will remain in our database and our sourcing team will contact you should appropriate opportunities arise.

Supplier Qualifications

Before you consider joining our supplier team, please review our selection criteria. CommScope’s partners must demonstrate the following qualities:

• Exceptional ethical standards
• A commitment to our quality standards, delivery schedules and continuous improvement
• Competitive pricing
• Electronic communications capabilities
• Environmental stewardship
• Financial stability
• ISO certification (for production activities)
• Value-added capabilities

We use the Small Business Administration’s criteria for designating small, minority, woman-owned or disadvantaged businesses. To learn more, read the United States Code (15 U.S.C. Section 632) and the Code of Federal Regulations (13 C.F.R. Parts 121, 124 and 126).