Self-certification requires EU importers of these metals and their ores to exercise 'due diligence' – i.e. to avoid causing harm on the ground – by monitoring and administering their purchases and sales in line with the five steps of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance.
Enesesertifitseerimine nõuab, et need, kes neid metalle ja nende maake ELi impordivad, rakendaksid hoolsuskohustust, s.t väldiksid kohapeal kahju tekitamist, jälgides ja hallates oma ostu ja müüki OECD hoolsuskohustuse suunistes esitatud viie sammu kohaselt.