Foreign End Market (FEM) Verification  

To ensure we contribute to a responsible and safe end-of-life tyre industry, Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) recognises that all stakeholders need transparency over their supply chains both in Australia and overseas.  

In Australia, TSA-accredited collectors and recyclers of end-of-life tyres are monitored through the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme. However, when it comes to Australian tyre-derived material (TDM), tyre seconds and casings exported overseas, we lose sight of how the material is being managed. That’s where the Foreign End Market Verification (FEM Verification) program developed by TSA in partnership with Intertek comes in.  

The FEM Verification program is a leading initiative assisting to deliver supply chain transparency and improvement opportunities in areas such as Environment, Health & Safety and Modern Slavery. 

TSA works with local businesses exporting TDM, tyre seconds and casings to understand and mitigate environmental, social and occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks by having their overseas destinations assessed against in-country regulations and basic environment, health and safety standards. Providing greater transparency and confidence in the entire supply chain for end-of-life tyres. 

What is FEM Verification?

TSA's Foreign End Market Verification program employs  Intertek’s global expertise and uses their customised supply chain risk and sustainability platform to independently assess whether overseas customers (of Australian exported tyre seconds, casings, or tyre-derived material) meet minimum standards in four key areas: 

It gives Australian exporters confidence that they are working with responsible operators that minimise the risk of environmental and social harm. In addition, it may help to reduce risk to their own local: 

• Regulatory obligations 
• ESG policy and processes 
• Corporate reputation 
• Stakeholder trust and confidence 

The FEM Verification Program is recognised by the Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water (DCCEEW) as suitable evidence to demonstrate that an offshore retreading facility is "appropriate", as required by the waste tyre export rules. Read more about DCCEWW waste tyre export requirements here.

Who is FEM Verification valuable for?

• Australian businesses exporting tyres for retreading or tyre-derived materials to overseas destinations who want transparency over their supply chains overseas to help make informed decisions,
  
• Businesses needing to obtain an export licence for retreading as part of the Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water export licence requirements,
• Overseas destinations who want to demonstrate that their business receiving tyres or tyre-derived material is minimising health, safety and environmental harms, and contributing to a safe and responsible supply chain.

What's involved?

The process includes up to five stages depending on improvement needs identified at each stage.

Benefits of Participating in FEM Verification

• Minimise potential environmental or social harm caused by exported EOLT, products and materials,
• Maintain strong partnerships with supply chain stakeholders of EOLT, products and materials,
• Be part of a global network to achieve industry best management practice,
• Demonstrate to your customers, regulators and Government officials that your organisation is a credible location to receive material.

Find out more 

Phone +61 3 9977 7820
Email getonboard@tyrestewardship.org.au