05.09.2022
The external audit services will cover both the UPU GMS and IPC UNEX measurement systems used for QS Link purposes.
The main objective of the external audits is to assess whether the methodology, its implementation and the calculation of QS measurement results by the two UPU-agreed QS measurement system providers are consistent with the UPU GMS Technical Design.
The audit reports will be used to prepare a proposal for submission to the POC, which will decide whether it is appropriate to use the results produced by the two systems for the purposes of the QS Link to terminal dues.
The GMS and UNEX, as measurement systems that have an impact on financial revenue (i.e. terminal dues), require a high degree of transparency and accountability to ensure that data is correct for all participants.
Section 15 of the UPU GMS Technical Design (Annex 1) states that, because terminal dues based on GMS results are calculated on an annual basis, an external audit is required once per year.
/ | A list of the assessment locations that the auditor is expected to visit and audit during the four-year contract is provided below. Details of the audit schedule are provided in Annex 3. |
Assessment locations for 2022 to 2026
| Audits | Aspects | Location |
GMS | Quotas GmbH | System design, panel recruitment and management, test item preparation and dispatch, test item validation | Hamburg, Germany |
UPU International Bureau (GMS) | Calculation of performance and reporting, overall management of the UPU system including RFID network | Berne, Switzerland | |
UNEX | International Post Corporation (UNEX) | Calculation of performance and reporting, overall management of the UNEX system including RFID network | Brussels, Belgium |
Kantar TNS | System design, panel recruitment and management, test item preparation and dispatch, test item validation | London, United Kingdom | |
Lyngsoe Systems | RFID network | Copenhagen, Denmark |
The assessment locations listed above are confirmed for 2022. However, for 2023 to 2026, the audit locations may be amended in view of recommendations from the 2022 audit or changes concerning the organizations to be audited. The assessment locations will be confirmed at least three months before the audit start date.
The deadline for the submission of tenders is 26 September 2022 at 16.00 CEST.