I don't have a DUNS number. What should I do?

If you don't have your DUNS number yet, we can either help you to find the correct one or we can provide you with a temporary one.

Background

NQC requires a DUNS number for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business. There is no charge for an organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 urgently and don't have your DUNS number yet, we can provide you with a temporary number.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B
D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page (search online for
"Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

If you require a temporary DUNS number, please raise a ticket:

1. Click your initials in the top-right corner.
2. Click Tickets.
3. Click Raise a new ticket.
4. Select Getting Started from the drop-down menu.
5. Select None of these questions help - Raise a new ticket.
6. Provide your details in the ticket (Name, Organisation, Email, and request for a temporary DUNS number).
7. Click Send.

What's changed in SAQ 5.0?

SAQ 5.0 introduces a more flexible and modular assessment structure, designed to ensure the questionnaire remains relevant and proportionate for suppliers of all sizes, sectors, and operating models. Question sets are now tailored based on site headcount and primary industry sector, with a clear distinction between mandatory and optional questions.

Background

The Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ 5.0) has been enhanced to better support modern, global supply chains. The updated structure focuses more closely on the specific characteristics of each supplier, helping to reduce unnecessary complexity-particularly for non-production and service-based organisations-while maintaining robust sustainability coverage.

Under SAQ 5.0:

• Mandatory questions contribute directly to the overall SAQ 5.0 rating.
• Optional questions provide additional insight but do not impact the rating.

This approach ensures suppliers are assessed fairly and consistently, while buyers continue to receive meaningful and comparable sustainability data across their supply chains.

To support users, NQC provides briefing sessions and supporting materials that explain the SAQ 5.0 structure, scoring approach, and how industry sector (NACE®) and site headcount influence question routing and scoring-particularly when updating an existing SAQ.

Steps

To access SAQ 5.0 webinar recordings:

Select the relevant language below to register for and view the SAQ 5.0 briefing webinar:

• English
• Deutsch
• Français
• Italiano
• Português
• Español
• 日本語
• 中文

The webinar explains the SAQ 5.0 structure, scoring approach, and practical completion guidance.

To access SAQ 5.0 briefing slides and supporting materials:

Select the relevant language below to download the SAQ 5.0 briefing slides:

• English
• Deutsch
• Français
• Italiano
• Português
• Español
• 日本語
• 中文

The slides explain how NACE® industry codes and site headcount influence question routing within SAQ 5.0, and how updates to your responses may impact your overall SAQ 5.0 rating.

Can I update my questionnaire after it has been completed?

Yes, you should regularly review your questionnaire and update it to reflect changes, improvements, or to address customer minimum requirements.

Background

You can update your questionnaire at any time, except when it is in the validation process. You might want to update your questionnaire to improve your rating, to upload new evidence, or to reflect any changes within your organisation and operation.

Steps

To update your questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to update on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Navigate through the questions and change those that you want to.
5. Upload new or revised evidence that directly addresses any changes made.
6. Progress through the questionnaire.
7. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ 5.0 Rating.

What are the key terms related to the Deforestation SAQ?

The Deforestation SAQ uses specific terms related to land use, environmental protection, forestry, rights, traceability and commodities. Understanding these definitions is important for accurately completing the assessment.

Background

This assessment is aligned with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The terms defined help clarify the specific information and evidence required regarding the sourcing of certain commodities (like cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, wood) and associated due diligence practices.

What types of queries can I raise during the Reviewing stage?

You can only raise queries relating to existing uploaded evidence that you believe was misunderstood or misinterpreted during the validation process. Queries regarding any other areas-or attempts to submit brand-new evidence-will be rejected.

Background

The REVIEWING workflow status automates the supplier feedback loop for assessment ratings under strict operational criteria:

• Eligible Scope: Queries must strictly pertain to documents and evidence that were already uploaded as part of your initial SAQ submission.
• Misinterpretation Grounds: You must specify how the validator misunderstood or misinterpreted the existing documentary evidence.
• Ineligible Requests: Brand-new evidence, revised documents, or queries unrelated to the uploaded evidence cannot be considered during this stage and will be formally rejected.
• Deadline: All queries must be submitted within two business days of receiving the automated pre-notification email.

Steps

To raise a query regarding your validated evidence:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your dashboard, select Review on the SAQ tile currently in Reviewing status.
3. Review the validation gaps raised and identify the specific uploaded evidence believed to be misunderstood.
4. Select Yes to question "Do you have a query ti raise about the validation of evidence which has helped produce this SAQ 5.0 Ratiung?".
5. Provide a clear explanation referencing your existing uploaded evidence and submit the query within two business days of receiving the initial notification email.