What is the difference between C-TPAT and GSV program?
C-TPAT is a voluntary U.S. government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. CBP is asking U.S. companies to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners
within the supply chain. GSV is an industry program created by Intertek and industry specialists to address the difficult challenge of verifying foreign manufacturer implementation of new and emerging supply chain security
requirements in a coordinated and cost effective manner.

If a company participates in the GSV program, does this mean that it will become C-TPAT certified?
No. The GSV program will help companies understand their factories' level of compliance with the CBP foreign manufacturer security criteria and can also help in assessing risk within the supply chain. However, there are other requirements which are required by CBP in order to become C-TPAT certified. CBP wants companies to have a secure supply chain. GSV audit process aims to cover the security practices and procedures implemented at the factory level within the supply chain. A list of frequently asked questions regarding the C-TPAT application process is posted in the CBP website.http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/apply_ctpat/ctpat_ app_faq.xml

What is the connection between CBP and Intertek/GSV?
Intertek/GSV current supply chain security operations in terms of management processes, people and tools have been reviewed and accepted by US Customs as part of the third party validator pilot program and that were one of the 11 selected third party validator involved in the pilot program in China. CBP does not endorse the GSV program or any other security verification program created by the private sector, outside of their government programs.

What is the basis of the GSV checklist used to audit the factories?
The GSV checklist is based on the minimum security criteria for foreign manufacturers published by CBP.

If an organization has a security program in place, can the GSV program be altered to reflect some information captured in the company's existent program?
No. GSV is an industry program and does not differ by client, sector or product type. By having one single questionnaire has facilitated a uniform output which is a robust report with benchmarking, trends over periods of time, and a complete set of recommendations. To date, we have audited over 5,000 factories and the data of a single audit is benchmarked against the database of information we have collected thus far.

Can I share the GSV report with other importers?
Yes. Each factory is assigned a registration number and a security code.Once a GSV audit is conducted, the report will be published in the directory of the GSV website. To share the report, simply provide the site www.importsecurity.com and the registration number and security code.

Where can I find more information about GSV?
GSV has dedicated website with information on GSV and on general supply chain security information. The website address is www.importsecurity.com

If a factory requests an audit today, when will the audit be scheduled for?
The factory could propose an audit date in the application form, so that we can try our best to meet their requirement. In general, the audit will be scheduled within 30 days.

How long does it need to schedule an audit?
We will try to schedule and reply to the factory within 1-2 working days from the time when application form is received. The audit is usually scheduled within 30 days.

Does the factory have to apply for an audit three (3) weeks in advance?
No, but in order to facilitate scheduling and secure an earlier date, we suggest to receive the application form the earlier the better.

How long does an audit take?
The standard GSV audit will normally take one day. However, it may take longer in case the factory is large (i.e. headcount of more than 4000).

What is the audit fee?
The audit fee is normally standard but can also differ depending on location, headcounts and end buyer.

Can the audit fee be settled after audit?
No, GSV is a pre-paid program. Payment must be settled at least one(1) week before audit. The bank slip should be sent to the GSV coordinator so that we can easily check on the account.

How do factories remit payment to GSV?
During the coordination of the GSV audit, we will send you a Payment Advice document. Please remit according to the instructions in the Payment Advice.

Who will go to the factory for audit? What is the auditor's name and contact no.?
GSV assigns auditors to complete the GSV audits. The auditor will arrive at the factory on their own before 10:30AM. If there is any other issue, you can always contact the GSV coordinator.

How long will it take for the GSV audit report to be issued?
According to our GSV procedures, we will send the audit report and GSV cert (if applicable) within five (5) working days of completing the audit.

At what score does the factory qualify to receive the GSV certificate?
A factory is eligible to receive a GSV certificate if the result of the audit is 71 or above.

If the factory fails the audit, how can it take corrective action?
Section III of GSV report lists the non-compliances noted during the audit. Please refer to that section for the corrective action.

How is the audit score generated?
The audit score is automatically generated. The auditor completes a checklist while at the factory however, does not have access to the scoring or the actual output (the report). The file that he completes must be sent to his management for review, before it gets automatically generated as the report.