Best Practices in Compliance Program Management

December 30, 2024

Supplier-driven testing programs generally follow this type of workflow:

• Supplier submits sample and test request form (TRF) to lab, referencing applicable testing requirements and standards
• Lab performs testing according to lab SOPs and published standards
• Failing tests may lead to resampling/resubmission by supplier
• Report for passing tests sent by lab to supplier
• Final report sent by supplier to brand for documentation purposes

Brand-driven testing programs generally follow this type of workflow:

• Brand initiates test request according to sampling plan in brand guidelines
• Test request form (TRF) prescribes all tests and specifications, cross-referenced to published standards and brand guidelines
Supplier completes TRF and submits with sample to brand-approved lab
• Lab verifies testing requirements, third-party certificates/waivers and lab reports; initiates corrective actions with brand for any discrepancies
• Lab completes testing and submits test report to brand with copy to supplier
• Brand initiates any corrective action through supplier for remediation/closure

Supplier- vs Brand-Driven Testing and Quality Programs

• Brand publishes guidelines defining sampling/testing plans and specifications tailored to its products, based on standards, end uses, risks
• Iterative sampling and testing programs optimized for full test coverage while minimizing non-detects on highest-risk materials and parameters
• Brand pre-approves and contracts directly with labs
• Suppliers accountable for performance of all its sub-suppliers
• Brand validates random sampling, third-party certificates, all lab test results
• Supplier submits test request and sample to lab based on manual guidelines
• Brand submits periodic, double-blind audit samples to lab as part of quality assurance program
• Brand maintains and shares supplier scorecards, real-time performance data, benchmarks, corrective action loops