What can you do?
Importer
Just do it! Implementing the code of conduct need not to wait for the launch of the label. Importers and suppliers in India and China have already drafted concrete working plans and started with improvement activities. The working group can support participating companies.
Foreign companies can join the working group, but there may also be initiatives in your own country, such as the Ethical Trading Initiative in the UK (http://www.ethicaltrade.org); Dansk Initiativ for Etisk Handel (DIEH) in Denmark (www.dieh.dk); and Initiativ for Etisk Handel (IEH) in Norway (http://etiskhandel.no) with whom the working group is already cooperating.
Processing industry and retail
Endorse the code and request that your suppliers supply sustainable natural stone. If you are not a Dutch company, you may also contact initiatives in your country (see above). Processing companies that buy only from importers with the label may obtain the label for themselves in the future, depending on future policy definitions around the label.
Public authorities
Public authority buyers wishing to source sustainable natural stone are advised to contact the working group. A standard tender document is in development which conforms with EU procurement regulations. We are looking forward to share our experience with you and cooperate where possible.
Consumers
When buying, ask for sustainable natural stone and mention the WGDN.