With restrictions being eased across the GCC, the Gulf SQAS subcommittee advises LSPs and Certification Bodies to cautiously resume onsite assessments starting 1st October 2020 . The subcommittee encourages all parties to regularly check with local authorities on the latest restrictions issued and align together their assessment plan following the below suggested guidelines.

Gulf SQAS assessment guidelines post COVID19:

1. Strictly follow local regulations during the pandemic
2. Logistic Service Provider being assessed should thoroughly brief the assessor with the local regulations
3. Certification bodies should cross check with local authorities to acquire all required approvals
4. LSP staff and assessor(s) should strictly adhere to social distancing norms at all times
5. LSP should make all efforts to ensure the assessment area(s) are sanitized prior to and post the assessment
6. To maintain protection and hygiene measures and minimise the spread of infection, regularly remind participants on effective handwashing, and provide hand sanitiser throughout assessed site
7. All LSP staff and the assessor(s) should wear a facial covering at all times
8. It is not allowed to carry out Gulf SQAS assessments using virtual meetings and online assessments.

Contact mohamed@gpca.org.ae for any further questions