Sedex officially launches a new version of the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) specifically designed for Goods Providers (product suppliers). This article will provide you with key information about the new version of SAQ, aiming to help you understand and apply it effectively.

■ Why is there a need for the new version of SAQ？

● For suppliers

Reduce the difficulty of filling out the questionnaire – The new version of SAQ significantly reduces the number of questions, especially those that are difficult to gather information on in the practical process

Enhance user experience – Suppliers can complete the SAQ on the new Sedex platform, which offers faster response times and a more user-friendly interface

Helping suppliers understand the meaning of each question – Each question in the new SAQ is accompanied by annotations that explain the design rationale behind the question and its significance to the customer

Facilitates completion of the SAQ for suppliers with multiple workplaces – Such suppliers can complete 63% - 70% of the questions at the headquarters level and apply them to multiple workplaces, eliminating the need to fill out the SAQ from start to finish for each workplace (this feature will be gradually rolled out in the future)

● For buyers/procurement organizations

Understanding the recruitment and living conditions of migrant workers – The new version of SAQ includes more questions related to migrant workers to obtain more accurate risk assessment results

Maintaining consistency with SMETA – The question structure of SAQ is aligned with SMETA audit reports, and discrepancies between the supplier's audit findings and their answers in the SAQ will be highlighted

■ When was the new version of SAQ released?

The new version of SAQ has been released.

■ The new version of SAQ applies to?

It will be launched in stages. Phase 1 will apply to all new product providers who join as Sedex supplier members, as well as existing supplier members with a 0% completion rate of SAQ.

Service providers, labor brokers, and agent-type workplaces can continue using the current version of SAQ without any changes.

Product suppliers: Product suppliers refer to enterprises/factories/individuals that provide customers with products ranging from raw materials to finished goods, such as clothing, electronics, agriculture, etc.

■ What language versions does the new SAQ provide?

The new SAQ provides 13 language versions: Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Turkish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Dutch. This is to reduce language barriers for suppliers when filling out the questionnaire, improving the completion rate and quality of the questionnaire.

■ The types of questions in the new SAQ include？

In general, the majority of questions are multiple-choice, including single-choice, multiple-choice, text input, and file upload questions.

Underneath each question, there is an additional option of 'Add a comment' where suppliers can provide any comments (to support their choice or answer) or choose not to fill in the comment.

■ The filling time for the new version of SAQ?

The number of questions that product suppliers need to fill out depends on the size of the workplace and factors such as whether accommodation is provided for employees. The total number of questions can range from 37 to 158. Most suppliers will need approximately 1 hour to 1 day to complete the questionnaire.

■ The new version of SAQ will assess the following aspects of product suppliers

Compared to the old version, the new version of SAQ provides more detailed segmentation in terms of question modules, increasing from 8 to 15 modules. However, in terms of the total number of questions, the new version reduces the overall quantity by removing questions that were more difficult to obtain information for. The assessment of product suppliers' labor rights will be more detailed, and additional questions have been included to understand the living conditions of migrant workers.

■ Recommended update frequency?

Sedex recommends that product suppliers update the new version of the SAQ questionnaire every six months to one year, or as per the requirements of your customers.

■ How to get support and assistance?

Each question in the new version of SAQ is accompanied by 'Why is this question asked?' and 'Guidance and Definitions' to help you better understand and answer the question.

You can also sign up for the Sedex Supplier Stage 2 Training: Self-Assessment and Audit Guide to receive guidance on filling out the new version of SAQ.

■ How to log in to the new version of SAQ?

You can log in using the following website:

https://app.sedex.com/

Or through the Sedex official website:

https://www.sedex.com/zh/

click on the 'Log In' button in the upper right corner.

■ Matters needing attention

Product suppliers must complete the 'Company Details' section (with a completion rate of 100%) before they can unlock the SAQ questionnaire for filling out.

We recommend that product suppliers strive for a completion rate of 100% in the new version of SAQ, as it helps identify risks in the workplace. However, if approved by your clients, a completion rate of at least 80% should be ensured.