Service providers applying for the quality label are screened with respect to exports to the UK on :
- Offering a one-stop-shop service to SME companies (including customs formalities and groupage)
- Experience of exporting/importing to and from the UK
- Provision of complete and transparent price quotes
- Completeness of contractual terms and conditions
The process
1. Completing the application form and
signing the certification regulations
The certification regulations outline the requirements and processes for obtaining, maintaining and revoking the Gateway²Britain quality label. When the certification regulations are signed, the application is finalised and an invoice for the application is issued.
2. Completion of the questionnaire and production
of the supporting documents
On receipt of the signed regulations, the applicant is given the questionnaire for completion and return within 20 calendar days, along with any supporting documents requested in the questionnaire.
3. On-site verification of the supporting documents
Depending on the answers received, VIL will either carry out a verification on the applicant’s premises or request additional information to substantiate compliance with the criteria. Verification will take place no later than 20 days after receipt of the necessary data. After verification, a certification report will be written up by an auditor.
4. Evaluation of the application by the Certification Committee
Once the certification report has been prepared, the application will be submitted to the Certification Committee.
Depending on the auditor’s findings, the Certification Committee gives the executive management of the VIL its recommendation on the award of the Gateway²Britain quality label certificate, which the latter will ultimately confirm.
The governance charter is downloadable here.
5. Decision on the award of the quality label
On confirmation of the award, the applicant is conferred the right to use the quality label, for a period of 3 years, in communication materials such as its website, brochures, presentations, printed materials. etc.
Potential Certification Committee outcomes :
Awarded
The applicant receives a certificate to use the Gateway²Britain quality label for a period of three years.
Not awarded
The applicant does not receive the certificate due to non-fulfilment of one or more criteria. The applicant will have access to the certification report.
Conditionally awarded
The certificate is awarded conditionally in cases where the applicant’s maturity cannot be established unequivocally. In such cases, the Certification Committee will recommend that the certificate be awarded subject to an additional review within a specified period.
