1. Who is eligible for International Federation procurement services?
The IFRC offers procurement services for:
- National Societies
- International Federation offices and delegations
- DG ECHO partners
- Governments
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- United Nations agencies
- Other humanitarian agencies
We do not offer procurement services for individuals or profit-making entities. We also stipulate that our third-party customers:
- are a non-profit-making organization
- have a humanitarian objective
- act within the disaster relief and recovery field
- are impartial while providing assistance, without discrimination regarding race, religion, nationality, political opinion
- are neutral in controversial situations and independent from any military, political, religious or ideological influence
- specify any donor requirement that contradicts the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- have signed the NGO code of conduct
2. What is a humanitarian procurement centre?
A humanitarian procurement centre is an organization or entity that has been accredited by the Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department of the European Commission (DG ECHO) as a centre to provide procurement services to humanitarian partners.
DG ECHO has accredited a limited number of humanitarian procurement centres. Partners can also benefit from DG ECHO’s qualification process and receive professional supply chain services from accredited centres. The International Federation received its accreditation in 2005. The accreditation lasts for a period of four years.
3. How much does it cost to use the IFRC’s procurement services?
The International Federation is required to recover its costs from providing procurement services by charging a service fee. This service fee is incorporated into the cost estimate and is calculated as follows:
- For services provided to National Societies through service agreements, the service fee is pre-determined for each type of service. The service fee ranges from 1.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent depending on the total value of the order.
- For warehousing services provided to National Societies and third parties at our regional logistics units, we charge a monthly fee for storage per cubic metre, and a handling fee for the receipt and dispatch of items. Rates vary depending on warehouse location due to local differences in infrastructure costs. Please contact the regional logistics units in Panama, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur directly.
- For ad-hoc services, the maximum service is 6.5 per cent, with a discount of 2 per cent for National Societies with a service agreement, and a discount of 1 per cent for National Societies without a service agreement.
- For services provided to DG ECHO partners (National Societies and third parties), we charge a handling fee of 6.5 per cent of the total value of the order as recommended by DG ECHO.
4. Do you make a profit?
No, the IFRC does not make a profit from its procurement services.
5. How much does it cost to deliver supplies to the final port of entry?
The cost of shipment is included in the cost estimate. We use Federation-contracted freight forwarders which offer very competitive rates. Our freight forwarders deliver the goods to the port of entry closest to the project site. If you request supplies to be delivered by air, the port of entry is the nearest major international airport. For sea shipments, the port of entry is the nearest major international seaport in the country where the project is to take place. The seaport of entry for land-locked countries varies on a case-by-case basis.
6. What is the minimum order value?
Currently, there is no minimum order value, although this may be reviewed in the future. Please also note that we do not have a minimum administrative charge.
7. Can I view and order your products online?
You can view a list of 4,000 standard commodities online through our emergency items catalogue. The catalogue provides generic technical specifications for essential items and is intended to facilitate the selection and acquisition of items during emergency operations. Unfortunately, we do not accept online orders due to the number of variable factors we have to take into account.
8. What role do zonal logistics units play?
The zonal logistics units are part of the International Federation’s global logistics structure and and through their strategic locations allow us to deliver a high level of customer service. Your request may be handled by a specialist from a zonal logistics unit. Find out more about zonal logistics units in our global structure.
9. How do you select suppliers?
We select our suppliers through a competitive process. All suppliers are required to register with us and bid through a tender process. The process is rigorous and guarantees quality and performance from our suppliers. We ensure that all potential suppliers are subject to the same conditions and that information received is confidential. In addition, we stipulate that our suppliers:
- adhere to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- maintain ethical business practices at all times
- are not involved in any form of corruption or any fraudulent activities
- do not engage in any collusive or coercive practices
10. I would like branding on my supplies. Is this possible?
Yes. Please inform us if you have any special requirements when you request the cost estimate.
11. I am interested in leasing vehicles. Is this possible?
At the moment, we only offer vehicle leasing to National Societies. If you are a third party, we are able to offer you vehicle purchasing subject to certain conditions and requirements.
12. Can I register in writing?
Yes. If you would like to register by post using a paper form, please let us know and we will send the necessary forms to you.