From CMRT 1.0 to CMRT 6.5: how the CMRT version history has evolved and why it matters

The Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is the most widely used reporting tool for 3TG due diligence across global supply chains. As regulatory expectations and industry practices evolve, the CMRT continues to be updated to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with recognised standards. Understanding how CMRT versions have evolved, particularly within the CMRT 6.x series, helps organisations manage compliance, reduce reporting friction, and maintain confidence in their conflict minerals data.

‍TL;DR: CMRT evolution and impact

The CMRT has matured into a stable, industry-standard reporting framework. The CMRT 6.x series focuses on data accuracy, regulatory alignment, and consistency rather than structural change. The latest update, CMRT 6.5, refreshes smelter reference data only, helping organisations reduce errors, avoid rework, and maintain reliable, compliant conflict minerals reporting with minimal operational impact.

CMRT version history: what changed, what it means for you

The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) provides several standardised reporting templates to support responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence. Among these, the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) is the most widely adopted.

The CMRT enables companies to collect, standardise, and share information on tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TG) across global supply chains. As regulatory expectations, industry standards, and due diligence practices evolve, the CMRT template has evolved alongside them through both major structural updates and frequent minor revisions.

Understanding the CMRT version history is essential for organisations managing conflict minerals reporting, supplier disclosures, and regulatory compliance.

The evolution of RMI templates and the role of CMRT

RMI templates are designed to create consistency and comparability across complex, multi-tier supply chains. Within this ecosystem, the CMRT has become the default reporting tool for conflict minerals due diligence.

Since its first release in 2011, the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template has been updated to reflect changes in global regulations, updates to smelter and refiner reference data, alignment with IPC-1755 standards, and feedback from suppliers, manufacturers, and downstream companies.

As a result, the CMRT version history includes both foundational changes and long periods of refinement.

CMRT version history overview

Before focusing on the CMRT 6.x series and the latest CMRT 6.5 version, it helps to understand how the CMRT has evolved over time.

Detailed description of the version updates can be found in the CMRT revision history here.

CMRT 6.01: the start of the CMRT 6.x series

The release of CMRT version 6.01 marked the formal beginning of the CMRT 6.x series.

While CMRT version 6.0 introduced EU Conflict Minerals Regulation wording through IPC-1755 alignment, CMRT 6.01 focused on correcting issues identified shortly after release. These updates addressed practical reporting issues without introducing new reporting requirements.

Key updates in CMRT 6.01 included fixes related to the Product List tab, clarifications in declaration scope, and overall stabilisation of the CMRT 6.x framework.

CMRT 6.10 and CMRT 6.2x: maintenance and consistency

CMRT version 6.10 introduced bug fixes, smelter list updates, and translation improvements. The focus was improving reliability and consistency rather than changing reporting workflows.

CMRT versions 6.20, 6.21, and 6.22 continued this maintenance-driven approach, introducing minor revisions to address reported issues, corrections to the Smelter List and Product List tabs, and ongoing alignment with current RMI reference data. These CMRT versions helped ensure consistency across suppliers and jurisdictions.

CMRT 6.3 and CMRT 6.31: improving data accuracy

CMRT version 6.3 delivered bug fixes, updated guidance in the Instructions tabs, minor usability enhancements, and smelter list updates.

CMRT version 6.31 followed shortly after, addressing issues related to the Declaration, Smelter List, and Smelter Look-up tabs. Together, these CMRT versions reduced inconsistencies in supplier submissions and improved the reliability of reported CMRT data.

CMRT 6.4 and CMRT 6.5: keeping reference data current

CMRT version 6.4 introduced bug fixes, updated highlighting in Smelter List tabs, and a refresh of smelter reference data.

Released in April 2025, CMRT version 6.5 is the latest update in the CMRT 6.x series. CMRT 6.5 focuses exclusively on refreshing the Smelter Reference List and Standard Smelter List, aligning them with the Standard Smelter List as of 5 March 2025.

CMRT 6.5 does not introduce new questions or workflow changes. Its purpose is to ensure that CMRT reporting remains accurate by keeping reference data current.

What the CMRT 6.x evolution means for you

The CMRT 6.x version history reflects a clear shift in how the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template is maintained and used across global supply chains. Rather than introducing frequent structural changes, the CMRT 6.x series prioritises stability, data accuracy, and alignment with recognised industry standards.

For organisations using the CMRT, this has several practical implications.

Stronger compliance alignment

Each CMRT version update in the 6.x series supports continued alignment with global due diligence expectations, including IPC-1755 and EU Conflict Minerals Regulation language introduced in earlier CMRT versions. Using the latest CMRT version, such as CMRT 6.5, helps organisations demonstrate up-to-date compliance while reducing regulatory and reputational risk.

Updates, particularly to smelter reference and standard smelter lists, ensure that CMRT reporting reflects current RMI data and commonly accepted industry references.

More reliable CMRT data

Across the CMRT 6.x versions, repeated bug fixes, validation improvements, and smelter list updates have improved data integrity. These refinements reduce inconsistencies in supplier CMRT submissions and help organisations rely on more accurate, comparable conflict minerals data across their supply base.

In practice, this means fewer reporting errors, clearer declarations, and improved confidence in CMRT disclosures.

Lower operational friction

Recent CMRT versions, including CMRT 6.4 and CMRT 6.5, are designed as incremental improvements rather than major workflow changes. The operational benefit is straightforward: fewer issues caused by outdated reference data, less rework, and reduced back-and-forth with suppliers over incorrect or invalid CMRT entries.

For many organisations, the biggest gain from the latest CMRT version is not new functionality, but smoother execution.

Continued alignment with industry practice

The CMRT remains the most widely adopted conflict minerals reporting template provided by the Responsible Minerals Initiative. The CMRT 6.x series reinforces its role as a standardised tool for 3TG reporting, supporting consistent disclosures across industries and supply chains.

By staying aligned with the latest CMRT version, organisations position themselves in line with common due diligence expectations and peer practices.

Final takeaway

The CMRT 6.x version history shows a mature reporting framework focused on accuracy, consistency, and regulatory alignment. The release of CMRT 6.5 continues this approach, ensuring that smelter reference data remains current without introducing unnecessary complexity.

For organisations engaged in conflict minerals reporting, keeping pace with CMRT version updates is less about adapting to change and more about avoiding risk, reducing friction, and maintaining confidence in CMRT data over time.