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ISO 20400:2017
Sustainable Procurement

Integrate sustainability into procurement, reduce environmental and social risks, and create long-term value through ethical, transparent sourcing practices.

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OVERVIEW

Sustainable Procurement: Driving Responsible Growth and Compliance

Sustainable procurement goes beyond meeting compliance it is a forward-looking strategy that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into everyday sourcing decisions. By adopting responsible procurement practices, organizations can minimize environmental impact, tackle climate challenges, and promote fair labor standards that uplift communities. Every purchase becomes a step toward creating long-term value, sustainability, and shared progress.
At its core, sustainable procurement fosters innovation, efficiency, and cost savings while reducing risks associated with unethical or unsustainable practices. It strengthens operational resilience, supports regulatory alignment, and enhances stakeholder confidence. Embracing ISO 20400:2017 ensures transparency, accountability, and measurable impact across the supply chain positioning businesses as trusted, responsible leaders in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy.

Core Subjects of Sustainable Procurement

The 7 core subjects of sustainable procurement, outlined in ISO 20400:2017, integrate social responsibility into procurement by addressing key sustainability priorities across organizational practices.

1. Organizational Governance

Promotes ethical, transparent, and accountable decision-making in procurement. It includes strong anti-corruption controls, compliance systems, and active stakeholder engagement.

2. Human Rights

Protects basic human rights across the value chain by rejecting child or forced labor, respecting indigenous communities, and ensuring suppliers follow international standards.

3. Labour Practices

Focuses on fair employment, safe workplaces, equality, and freedom of association. Procurement should favor suppliers demonstrating ethical labor and employee welfare.

4. The Environment

Drives reduction of emissions, responsible resource use, and waste minimization. Preference is given to suppliers adopting renewable energy, recycling, and circular-economy principles.

5. Fair Operating Practices

Encourages integrity, anti-bribery, fair competition, and transparent supplier relations built on trust and accountability.

6. Consumer Issues

Ensures procured goods and services are safe, reliable, and honestly represented, promoting accessibility and fair marketing practices.

7. Community Involvement and Development

Supports procurement that benefits local economies through partnerships with small suppliers and investment in community capacity-building initiatives.

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Our Approach

Guiding your journey toward sustainable procurement

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1. Initial Assessment

IRQS auditors review your procurement policies, supplier systems, and documentation to assess alignment with ISO 20400 principles.

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2. Gap Analysis

A detailed evaluation identifies gaps between current procurement practices and sustainable procurement standards.

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3. Detailed Audit

An on-site or remote audit verifies the implementation, effectiveness, and consistency of sustainability measures.

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4. Findings Report

Receive a clear report summarizing results, observations, and practical recommendations for improvement.

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5. Statement of Conformity

After successful evaluation, IRQS issues a Statement of Conformity confirming compliance with ISO 20400:2017.

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6. Surveillance 1 & 2

Regular surveillance audits ensure ongoing compliance, continual progress, and alignment with evolving sustainability goals.

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OUR APPROACH

Guiding your journey toward sustainable procurement

Step 1 – Initial Assessment
1. Initial Assessment
IRQS auditors review your procurement policies, supplier systems, and documentation to assess alignment with ISO 20400 principles.
Step 2 – Gap Analysis
2. Gap Analysis
A detailed evaluation identifies gaps between current procurement practices and sustainable procurement standards.
Step 3 – Detailed Audit
3. Detailed Audit
An on-site or remote audit verifies the implementation, effectiveness, and consistency of sustainability measures.
Step 4 – Findings Report
4. Findings Report
Receive a clear report summarizing results, observations, and practical recommendations for improvement.
Step 5 – Statement of Conformity
5. Statement of Conformity
After successful evaluation, IRQS issues a Statement of Conformity confirming compliance with ISO 20400:2017.
Step 6 – Surveillance 1 & 2
6. Surveillance 1 & 2
Regular surveillance audits ensure ongoing compliance, continual progress, and alignment with evolving sustainability goals.
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INDUSTRIES DRIVING SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION

Empowering Key Sectors Through Sustainable Procurement Audits

Through the ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement Statement of Conformity Assurance, IRClass - IRQS helps organizations embed sustainability principles into every purchasing decision reducing environmental impact, strengthening supply-chain IRClass - IRQS ethics and driving long-term business value.

automotive
Automotive

Automotive

Promote responsible sourcing, reduce material waste, and enhance supplier transparency.

marine
Marine, Ports & Shipping

Marine, Ports & Shipping

Improve supplier governance and ensure environmentally sound logistics and operations.

food-beverage
Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Strengthen sustainable sourcing, reduce environmental footprint, and promote fair labor practices.

engineering
Engineering

Engineering

Optimize procurement efficiency, minimize resource waste, and align with sustainability benchmarks.

healthcare
Healthcare

Healthcare

Ensure suppliers meet ethical, safety, and environmental standards in every transaction.

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Information Technology

Information Technology

Encourage responsible vendor partnerships, data transparency, and green procurement initiatives.

banking
Banking & Non-Banking Finance

Banking & Non-Banking Finance

Embed ESG-aligned procurement policies and promote sustainable finance practices.

chemical
Chemical

Chemical

Ensure safe sourcing, emission control, and compliance with environmental regulations.

energy
Energy

Energy

Support the transition to renewable energy through sustainable equipment and supplier evaluation.

retail
Retail

Retail

Build ethical, transparent supply chains and strengthen sustainability reporting.

building-and-infrastructure
Building & Infrastructure

Building & Infrastructure

Source eco-friendly materials and promote resource-efficient, sustainable building practices.

agriculture
Agriculture

Agriculture

Advance sustainable farming, fair trade, and responsible sourcing throughout the supply chain.

defence
Defence

Defence

Integrate sustainability, compliance, and ethics into secure procurement frameworks.

electronics
Electronics

Electronics

Source conflict-free materials and promote energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

oil-gas
Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas

Strengthen environmental compliance, safety, and responsible supplier management.

pharma
Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals

Ensure ethical sourcing, product safety, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

manufacturing
Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Improve supplier evaluation, boost operational efficiency, and drive continual improvement.

mining
Mining

Mining

Reduce environmental impact through responsible sourcing and transparent governance.

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BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

Build Trust, Ensure Transparency

Through the ISO 20400:2017 Statement of Conformity Assurance, IRQS helps organizations strengthen procurement integrity, transparency, and long-term stakeholder confidence.

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DOWNLOAD OUR SUSTAINABILITY TRAINING AND ASSURANCE BROCHURE

ISO 20400:2017 – Sustainable Procurement Training

Strengthen your organization's approach to responsible sourcing with the IRClass – IRQS Sustainable Procurement Training. This comprehensive program introduces the core principles of ISO 20400:2017, guiding participants on how to integrate sustainability into procurement decisions and supply chain operations.
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WHY CHOOSE IRCLASS?

Your Trusted Partner for ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement

01
Over 30+ Years of Expertise
02
Customized Audit Solutions
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12,000+ Clients Served
04
280+ Expert Auditors
05
600+ Employees Worldwide
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110,000+ Professionals Trained
07
42+ Global Offices
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement Questions—Answered

ISO 20400:2017 is a guidance standard that helps organisations integrate sustainability principles into their procurement practices. It supports responsible sourcing, ethical supply chains, and long-term environmental, social, and economic value.

This is an independent evaluation of how well your procurement processes align with ISO 20400 guidance. It assesses policies, supplier practices, procurement decisions, and governance to ensure sustainability is embedded across the supply chain.

Strengthens supply-chain transparency and accountability; Enhances ESG performance and stakeholder trust; Reduces procurement-related environmental and social risks; Improves supplier relationships and long-term value creation; Demonstrates commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability.

No. ISO 20400 is a guidance standard and does not offer formal certification. However, organisations can undergo independent assurance to demonstrate conformance and maturity in sustainable procurement practices.

Procurement governance and leadership commitment; Sustainability strategies and policy integration; Supplier selection, evaluation, and monitoring; Life-cycle thinking in purchasing decisions; Risk management and due diligence; Transparency, reporting, and continuous improvement mechanisms.

ISO 20400 is suitable for organisations of all sizes and sectors—public or private—that purchase goods or services and aim to build a sustainable, responsible, and resilient supply chain.

Timelines vary depending on the size of the procurement function, number of suppliers, complexity of supply chains, and maturity of documentation. Most assurance engagements take 4–8 weeks once data is ready.

An Independent Assurance Statement confirming your alignment with ISO 20400; A detailed assessment report with observations and improvement opportunities; A summary that may be shared with stakeholders or included in sustainability reporting.

No. As an independent conformity assessment body, IRQS does not offer consultancy or implementation support. We strictly provide impartial evaluation and assurance services.

Share your organisation details, procurement scope, supplier base, and available documentation through the IRQS inquiry form. Our team will assess the scope and provide a customised proposal.

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Start your journey today with trusted experts in certification, assurance and training who make the process simple seamless and stress free.

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