SCAN Sponsored VS. Non-Sponsored Audits: Key Differences and Selection Guide

As a supplier, managing multiple client audits can be time-consuming and costly. The SCAN Association offers a unified solution through its shared audit program. Once audited, your facility becomes part of the SCAN membership model, gaining visibility to a network of SCAN Members(Importers). You have two pathways to join: a Sponsored Audit or a Non-Sponsored Audit. This guide clearly outlines their differences and shared benefits to help you choose the right option.

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Key Differences at a Glance

The table below summarizes the fundamental distinctions between the two audit types

Feature	Sponsored Audit	Non-Sponsored Audit
Who Can Initiate?	A SCAN Executive Member (Importer) Supplier/Facility who has an association with a SCAN Executive Member (Importer) in SCAN system Supplier/Facility with obtaining the association confirmation from a SCAN Executive Member (Importer)	Supplier/Facility (self-initiated) to independently apply for a SCAN audit
Audit Fee	Standard SCAN Audit Fee Plan based on regions	Standard SCAN Audit Fee Plan Plus an additional $750
Is SCAN Audit Cadence Applicable?	Yes	No. It is a one-time audit. Suppliers/vendors must self-manage and trigger any future onsite/immersive re-audits.
Who has access?	All SCAN Executive Members Click link SCAN Association Website for names of current SCAN Member Companies.	Facility's business partners, including customers who are not a SCAN Executive Member.

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Understanding the Critical Distinctions

• Sponsored Audit: Before the audit report gets expired, SCAN PMT will automatically initiate a SCAN onsite/immersive audit, or a SCAN Year 2 Self Audit for the facility 12 months later after the sponsored audit. The audit cadence can be extended from 1 year to 2 years when certain criteria are met according to the SCAN Audit Cadence and Report Validity policy.

√ Choose a Sponsored Audit if you are working with an importer who is already a SCAN member. It is the cost-effective route to formalize your compliance within an existing partnership. 

• Non-Sponsored Audit: This is a one-time audit. The report expires after one year. Suppliers/facilities must self-manage and trigger any future onsite/immersive re-audits.

√ Choose a Non-Sponsored Audit as a strategic investment to proactively validate your security standards, enhance your reputation, and attract new business from SCAN's network.

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Core Benefits Shared by Both Audit Types

Choosing either path integrates you into the SCAN network and provides these key advantages designed to reduce audit fatigue:

• One Security Audit report that is accepted by all SCAN Members.
• A standardized Corrective Action Plan for consistent facility improvement expectations.
• Support through the Corrective Action process.
• An automated method to share audit results with SCAN Membership while maintaining confidentiality.
• An online web-based system for audit and Corrective Action management for suppliers and facilities.
• Free access to the SCAN Factory and Supplier Training Course.

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Ready to Get Started?
Promote your participation in SCAN to reduce audit requests and costs. To order an audit or learn more, visit the SCAN Association website or contact the SCAN Program Administration Team at [e-mail].