The deadline for completing the SAQ is provided in the invitation email sent out to suppliers. Normally, this deadline is set around 2-4 weeks after sending out the request to complete an SAQ.

It takes up to five business days for NQC to validate the SAQ

Supplier’s answers in the SAQ are generally valid for an unlimited period. Only uploaded documents such as certificates (e.g. ISO14001) can expire according to the period of validity provided on the certificate. SAQ with expired documents is considered invalid. Therefore, we highly recommend updating expired certificates as soon as possible.

In addition, the SAQ version is updated from time to time. Once a new version of the SAQ is released, we will request you to complete the additional questions in the updated version, the last updated version is SAQ 5.0.

Frequent reasons for rejecting a document are insufficient coverage of relevant topics in the guidelines or lack of documentation of the prevailing management systems. Furthermore, documents often cannot be assigned to the respective companies if the company logo is missing on the documents or if the scope of application does not cover the company. It is also common that the documents get rejected if they are not in the following language; English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German or Chinese (Mandarin).

On the platform supplierassurance.com, suppliers have the opportunity to see the reasons for rejection. In order to do so, suppliers can select the SAQ and click the option “View”. In the overview of the SAQ questions, users can select the option “workflow” and then select the last validation in the dropdown menu. Suppliers can see the validation team’s comments and adjust their documents accordingly.

In order to do an update, suppliers need to select “location” in the upper tab of the dashboard. Then by selecting Status “Any” you will find all SAQs you have worked with on your account. Once the SAQ is found, click on the option “update SAQ 5.0” on the location.

The NQC support team can help with technical questions or problems at the NCQ platform via email auto.support@nqc.com or via phone at +44 (0)1614137983. In addition, suppliers can use the live chat function of the platform once they are logged onto the platform.

Content related questions can be sent to supplier.sustainability@scania.com or sustainability@vwgroupsupply.com. Moreover, the purchasers at Scania can guide you through the process and provide information related to the S-rating such as score, gaps and which basic documents are needed.

The minimum requirements can be read here.

To find the requirements for your specific location, see How to get a positive S-Rating?.

An incomplete SAQ and inadequate on-site check/Sustainability audit will lead to an insufficient rating. That means that an insufficient rating prevents a new nomination in any of the Volkswagen Group brands. Suppliers are highly encouraged to implement measures to improve their sustainability performance and S-Rating.

To improve the S-rating you need to meet all of our minimum requirements. To improve the score further, you can read the Drive sustainability document and see the points of each question.

The S-Rating has a maximum validity of up to six years.

Sustainability activities that go beyond our sustainability requirements towards business partners are not considered in the S-Rating. However, we encourage and highly appreciate any additional sustainability activities pursued by our suppliers. Also keep in mind that other Sustainability requirements or activities could still be considered in the nomination process, but outside the scope of the S-Rating

If you have not found your answers in the FAQ. Suppliers are welcome to contact; Volkswagen Group via s-rating@vwgroupsupply.com or Scania CV AB via supplier.sustainability@scania.com

You can also contact the purchaser at Scania who can guide you through the process and provide information related to the S-rating such as score, gaps and which basic documents are needed.

Scania covers the cost of the On-Site Check

After an On-Site Check, any non-conformity will be documented in a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). This is discussed between the auditor and the auditee and, eventually, signed. With your signature, you accept the stated gaps and measures and agree that the report will be shared with us.

The On-Site Check is about inspecting the practical implementation of the information you have provided in the SAQ. It is intended to help you identify gaps that negatively impact the S-Rating and to show you actions that you can take to remedy these gaps. The On-Site Check is a supplement to the SAQ but does not release you from your obligation to continuously improve the SAQ

The report is sent to you by the auditing company after the On-Site Check.

Please state your position clearly and immediately in the final discussion with the auditor. If any discrepancies between the signed CAP and the final report occur, please contact the auditing company and the contact at Volkswagen AG or the relevant brands.

In general, the On-Site Check is valid for five years.