[Isabel Nepstad]

Question 1. Please explain what type of documents, information and evidence you, as auditor, would look for when conducting a ProTerra MRV audit and verifying item 3 (Management system requirements for economic operators) of the Standard?
It will be important to see the economic operator’s documents in regards to the sustainability-related policies, including deforestation and conversion-free, but also how they manage their suppliers in terms of a supplier code of conduct policy and information about suppliers and the origins with geographic indicators of the raw materials for traceability and chain of custody. The economic operator will need to provide evidence in terms of compliance to all local laws and regulations, monitoring and measurement for risk mitigation, and records.

Question 2. What would be your approach (what would you expect to see as evidence) when dealing with suppliers with no traceability information in relation to the previous question?
I would ask to see all available records and documents, including the list of suppliers, purchase orders, and any information available. I would also ask for more information on their supply chain management process to better understand their supply chain. In addition, to understand and manage risk, understand how they ensure compliance to local laws and regulations.