CMRT 6.5: What Manufacturers Need to Know About the Latest Update

In April 2025, RMI released the latest version of the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template—CMRT 6.5. This update plays a vital role for all manufacturers, including the electrical and electronics sectors, impacted by conflict minerals regulations. Understanding these changes will help you stay compliant, ensure supply chain transparency, and uphold due diligence practices.

Let’s explore what CMRT 6.5 introduces, why it matters, and how to integrate it smoothly into your compliance programs.

What is CMRT?

The Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is a free, standardized reporting tool developed by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). It facilitates the disclosure and data collection for four specific minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, widely recognized by the acronym 3TG.

Companies utilize CMRT to communicate sourcing practices throughout the supply chain and meet requirements under legislation such as Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act, EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, and various customer requests. Moreover, CMRT submissions support broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals by promoting transparency and ethical sourcing practices.

Where Are 3TG Minerals Found?

Understanding the use of conflict minerals helps manufacturers grasp the importance of CMRT 6.5. These materials are not just limited to electronics—they are everywhere in modern manufacturing:

Tin: Used as solder on circuit boards, in food packaging, and glass coatings.
Tantalum: Found in capacitors, high-performance alloys, and medical implants.
Tungsten: Used for its density and durability in cutting tools, aerospace parts, and military applications.
Gold: Present in connectors, switches, wiring, dental equipment, and even cosmetics.

These minerals often originate from high-risk regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its adjoining countries, where illegal mining and human rights violations are prevalent.

Key Updates in CMRT 6.5

While CMRT 6.5 keeps the same structure as version 6.4, it introduces several enhancements to improve functionality and supplier response accuracy. Here’s a quick overview:

CMRT Version	Release Date	Key Changes
CMRT 6.5	April 2025	Updated smelter list, improved instructions, minor corrections, alignment with current RMI expectations

Notably, the “Smelter List” and “Declaration” tabs now offer improved clarity, helping suppliers complete the template with fewer errors. Furthermore, RMI incorporated updates to reflect the most recent validation status of smelters and refiners.

CMRT 6.5 vs. CMRT 6.4

Although CMRT 6.5 doesn’t dramatically overhaul its predecessor, a few subtle improvements enhance its effectiveness:

Updated smelter list: The latest RMI validation led to changes in smelter entries, including additions and removals.
Clarified definitions and guidance: Clearer instructions help suppliers avoid incorrect entries.
Improved consistency across tabs: Aligned content across sections supports smoother data validation and processing.

If your organization is still using CMRT 6.4, now is the time to transition. While older templates may still be accepted temporarily, staying up to date with CMRT 6.5 demonstrates due diligence and compliance preparedness.

Why CMRT 6.5 Matters to Electronics Manufacturers?

Electronics and electrical manufacturers are under constant pressure to prove responsible sourcing. Several OEMs and tiered suppliers depend on hundreds of component and material suppliers globally. Consequently, CMRT 6.5 provides a trusted mechanism to verify that your upstream suppliers are sourcing 3TG minerals responsibly.

Here’s why CMRT 6.5 is crucial for your business:

Customer requirements are evolving: Large brands often demand the latest CMRT version.
Regulatory compliance is mandatory: Non-compliance can risk fines, market exclusion, and brand damage.
Transparency builds trust: Responsible sourcing attracts environmentally conscious buyers and investors.

Transitioning to CMRT 6.5: A Step-by-Step Guide

To shift smoothly from CMRT 6.4 or earlier versions, follow this checklist:

Download CMRT 6.5 from the RMI’s official page.
Notify all relevant suppliers and request updated submissions using the latest version.
Cross-check smelters against the updated smelter reference list.
Verify completeness and consistency between the declaration responses and smelter entries.
Train internal teams on the updated template fields and validation rules.

By staying proactive, you avoid last-minute compliance gaps and demonstrate leadership in supply chain responsibility.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even experienced compliance teams can stumble when transitioning to an updated CMRT version. Avoid these common mistakes:

Using outdated versions beyond their relevance window.
Failing to verify smelter data, leading to red flags during audits.
Copying old CMRTs forward without updating responses or reviewing instruction tabs.
Ignoring supplier confusion around the updated guidance in CMRT 6.5.

Getting it right the first time saves your team time, protects your company’s reputation, and meets customer expectations.

Looking Ahead: Conflict Minerals and ESG

The release of CMRT 6.5 is part of a larger trend: increasing scrutiny over mineral sourcing. RMI and other initiatives may expand due diligence requirements in the future, possibly covering more minerals or including enhanced ESG metrics.

Consequently, by aligning with CMRT 6.5 today, your company shows a commitment to sustainable sourcing practices and prepares for future supply chain demands.

Final Thoughts

CMRT 6.5 strengthens responsible sourcing practices by refining data accuracy and aligning with current industry expectations. For manufacturers across sectors, adopting this version signals regulatory readiness and commitment to ethical supply chains.

Transitioning promptly helps avoid compliance gaps, supports audit preparedness, and reinforces trust with customers and stakeholders. In today’s compliance landscape, staying current is not just necessary—it’s a strategic asset.

If you have questions about CMRT 6.5 or need help navigating the update, feel free to contact Enviropass for expert support!