GPSNR Assurance System – Assessment Service Provider Application

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JANUARY 2026 

ISSUED BY 
Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber 

Introduction & Background 
The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international, multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that will define strategy and objectives 

The GPSNR Assurance System, designed by Assurance Services International (ASI) and for GPSNR members, is a risk-based framework that supports credible and independent assurance processes. It enables companies to identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks within their supply chains, undergo third-party verification, and report transparently on their progress through credible claims. The details of which can be found at this link. 

The Engagement 
The GPSNR Secretariat is seeking qualified organizations and individual professionals to become GPSNR Assessment Service Providers (ASPs). Approved ASPs will conduct impartial and independent third-party assessments in accordance with GPSNR’s procedures and requirements. 

Selected ASPs will be responsible for delivering independent assurance assessments for GPSNR member companies, following GPSNR’s approved Assurance System methodologies and procedures. The engagement includes participation in GPSNR training and oversight processes, adherence to the GPSNR Assurance Service Provider Agreement, and maintenance of competence and impartiality throughout the duration of approval. 

Training for pre-approved ASPs is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with assessments scheduled to begin thereafter upon completion of training and formal approval. 

GPSNR welcomes applications from qualified organizations or individuals who:

• Are legally registered and in good standing; 
• Have demonstrable experience in sustainability assurance, auditing, or related compliance assessments; 
• Can maintain independence, integrity, and confidentiality in delivering assessment services; and 
• Are willing to undergo GPSNR’s approval and oversight process. 

Applicants may include individual contractors, small-sized ASPs (with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent personnel), or large-sized ASPs (with more than 5 full-time equivalent personnel). 

Submission Guidelines & Requirements
The following submission guidelines & requirements apply: 

  1. Applications will be considered only from individuals or organizations with experience relevant to this project.

  2. All applicants (individuals or organisations) are required to list the individual(s) applying to be approved as an Assessment Service Provider.

  3. Applicants must provide evidence of previous relevant work or experience, along with any other required supporting documents.

  4. Applicants must confirm that they have read and agree to the GPSNR ASP Agreement Terms and Conditions.

  5. Applications must be signed by an authorized representative.

  6. Applications will only be considered upon receipt of the non-refundable application fee. An invoice will be issued and must be paid within 30 days of issuance. Further details are provided in the fee schedule.

  7. More detailed guidance and supporting information about GPSNR procedures, assessment methodology, and training will be provided to applicants who successfully pass the pre-approval stage of the application process.

  8. Applications must be received prior to the 27th of February 2026 to be considered. Applications should be submitted to natalie.low@gpsnr.org for consideration.  

Project Timelines 

Submission of application and supporting documents to natalie.low@gpsnr.org 

February 27, 2026 

Selection and desk review of pre-approved applications 

Commencing upon receipt of applications and continuing through early March 2026 

Training of pre-approved ASP applicants 

March 2026 

Final approval of ASPs and publication 

March 31, 2026 

Start of GPSNR member selection and contract signing with approved ASPs 

April 2026 


Evaluation Factors 

GPSNR will evaluate applicants based on the following factors: 

  1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth

  2. Relevant past performance/ experience

  3. Provision of relevant documents

  4. Technical expertise/experience  

Download ASP application form here: 

Download ASP agreement terms and conditions here: 

Download Assurance assessment workflow here: 

More To Explore

News

Platform Updates for August

Baseline Reporting Requirements Pilot Testing

The Baseline Reporting Requirements, developed by the Policy Toolbox Working Group, is a document that indicates certain qualitative and quantitative sustainability data to be reported to the Secretariat. Back in June, we invited GPSNR members to volunteer to be part of a pilot testing for these Baseline Reporting Requirements. Since then, we have had 12 member companies coming forward to contribute their time and efforts to the exercise. These member companies consist of processors, tire makers and one car maker. As part of the pilot testing, each company was given access to a secure reporting platform where they could input the necessary reporting data.  

The Secretariat has conducted in-depth interviews with ten of the volunteer members so far. Following this, all feedback and data received will be reviewed, with the view to refine the Baseline Reporting Requirements in preparation for the formal launch in the near future.

Strategy and Objectives Working Group

The Working Group has commenced an extension of the study on Human Rights and Labour Rights’ Risk Mapping in the Global Natural Rubber Value Chains conducted by independent consultants James Griffiths & Associates Sàrl. This extension will see the consultant preparing an Annex to the main report that focuses on “equity issues” in the global natural rubber value chain. The objective of this extension is to understand current levels of equity (or inequity) along the natural rubber supply chain and identify where these could pose a threat to ecological, social and economic sustainability.

The report will also touch on how GPSNR’s current definition of “equity” compares to definitions used by others in related sectors or related risk assessments, providing suggested revisions to GPSNR’s definition where appropriate.

The Equity sub-Group published four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in mid August, for studies on the Living Income Gap in the global natural rubber value chain. These initial studies will focus on collecting information and metrics from four countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand. The deadline for submission of proposals is over. The Secretariat has received several proposals and will be evaluating them before presenting them to the sub-Working Group for consideration.

‘Traceability and Transparency’ Working Group

The two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that the Working Group has been developing were also published in mid August. The deadline for submission of proposals was last week.

The first RFP is for a study that will assess the methodologies of existing traceability and transparency tools and how they match up against the traceability and transparency requirements of GPSNR members. 

The second RFP is for a study that will compare existing and currently under-development GIS databases and mapping tools along with their mapping approaches through research and interviews.

The Secretariat has received several proposals and is in the process of evaluating them. The Working Group will make the final decision thereafter.

News

Message from the Director: Updates on COVID-19

Dear Members,

Since our last update to you, the COVID-19 situation has escalated into a global pandemic, with Europe and the US some of the hardest hit areas. The implications for us as a multi-stakeholder platform, are many. Today, I am taking the opportunity to update you on how we have addressed the issues within our control.

Secretariat Operations
For the health and welfare of our staff, we have instituted a work from home recommendation. We are also complying with the local government travel advisory to defer all non-essential travel. Rest assured that these measures will have minimal disruption to the operations of the Secretariat, and we remain only an email or a teleconference call away.

Working Groups
All our Working Groups remain active and continue to make progress in their respective areas of focus despite the situation. They are taking the extra time to enhance their deliverables, and I am confident that we will have many sound proposals and resolutions to consider and approve as a Platform. I encourage you to read the updates on the News and Publications page of our website, so that you are aware of the achievements to date of our Strategy & Objectives and Smallholders Representation Working Groups.

General Assembly
The severity of this pandemic has caused inevitable delays to our 2nd General Assembly (GA). As the safety and wellbeing of our members is our utmost priority, we will not be able to hold the GA within the first half of the year as we had anticipated. Nevertheless, the Executive Committee is in ongoing discussions on plans for the GA, and, where necessary, will assist all Working Groups to finetune their proposals to ensure a smooth and productive GA. 

Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued contribution and teamwork even in these trying times. I also appreciate your understanding and patience as we decide on the best way forward for the Platform in these unprecedented times. 

Our thoughts are with the natural rubber farmers and producers, and their families, whose livelihoods are being mostly impacted by COVID-19. To those whose family, friends or co-workers have been directly affected by the virus, our thoughts go out to you.

I urge you all to stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay positive.

All my support,

Stefano Savi
Director

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