Third party suppliers

Third parties have contracts with each supplier in their supply chain. Regulations require buyers to assess product risk up to three levels of the supply chain. Suppliers may not always depend on additional suppliers.

Level three
The first level in the supply chain. Level three suppliers are invited directly by the buyer, since contracts exist between the buyer and the supplier.

Level four
The second level in the supply chain. Level three suppliers invite Level four suppliers. Level four suppliers invite Level five suppliers.

Level five
The third level in the supply chain. Level five suppliers are currently not required to submit details of their third party suppliers.

Service types
The type of service a suppliers product provides, defined in the contract.