Become a member
AQC is an association open to all companies whose main activity is the manufacture of Leather bracelet.
Being a member of the AQC allows:
- to participate in the general assemblies and the various Committees of the AQC,
- to benefit from all the services of the AQC,
- to benefit from the AQC certification
- demonstrate commitment to the quality of the finished product
- to be represented in the highest international, European and national bodies on all subjects specific to leather and watch bracelets
- to benefit from the technical and regulatory monitoring necessary for the sector of activity of the manufacturers of leather bracelets
Services included in the membership fee:
- Participation in AQC Working groups (Customers, Suppliers, Technical, Laboratories)
- Access to the AQC documentation and database
- Access and implementation of the AQC control plans
- Support and monitoring on substances regulations and bio-compatibility
- Assistance on clients / suppliers commitment letters
- Assistance on non-compliance management
- Access to the AQC certification program
- Evaluations, gap analysis, audits
Download the membership procedure (link)
AQC services
AQC offers its expertise to all stakeholders in the supply chain of the leather bracelet.
Here below are the accompaniments that we can bring you, whether you are a member of our association or not.
Services for Watch Brands
The AQC offers its expertise to all stakeholders in the supply chain of the leather strap. 2018_AQC_SERVICES.pdf
Below are the accompaniments that we can bring you, whether you are a member of our association.
Watch brands and luxury groups are invited to participate in the Watch Brands working group meetings.
These regular meetings provide an opportunity to update knowledge on the development of regulations on regulated substances in the leather and components of the watch bracelet.
The watch brands have an additional guarantee regarding the quality of the bracelets made by the AQC members regarding the traceability and the conformity of the materials used.
The requirements of the watch brands are thus taken into account in a comprehensive manner and action plans are put in place and monitored at these meetings.
Services for suppliers
The tanners and other suppliers of leather bracelet manufacturers quickly realized the value of having a common RSL and harmonized methods dedicated to the nature of their products.
AQC offers a real exchange platform to centralize all requests, from both wristwatch manufacturers and end customers.
AQC also provides a rigorous, harmonized and controlled cost control policy.
AQC confirms the efforts made by these companies in terms of quality.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AQC AUDITS
Version 1 – 29APR19
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
AQC AUDITS
To achieve its mission and ensure the safety of the leather bracelets produced by its members, AQC evaluates independently the bracelet manufacturers’ suppliers and production sites. In this context, AQC performs audits according to AQC standards under the following conditions.
- AUDIT ORGANIZATION
AQC is in charge of the audit or re-audit organization.
Audit dates will be defined in agreement with AQC, the production sites to be audited and the Auditor.
- PROPERTY OF THE INFORMATION
During the audit, all the information exchanged will remain the property of the audited company, who will accept, according to the evidence obligations required by AQC, the taking of some photos of documents or others.
An audit report will be sent to the audited company after the audit and will be the property of the audited company.
- AUDITORS PROFILE
AQC has selected a pool of auditors or auditing body according to their competences, specialties and professionalism.
Except if the audits are carried out by AQC, auditors are independent contractors and not AQC employees, partner, or co-venturer of, or in any other service relationship with AQC. The manner in which auditor’s services are performed shall be within Auditor’s sole control and discretion.
Except if the audits are carried out by AQC, auditors are not authorized to speak for, represent, or obligate AQC in any manner without the prior express written authorization from AQC.
- CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The auditor is not allowed to use AQC audits, directly or indirectly, to sell its services to an audited company and, as a consequence, create confusion between its commercial activities and AQC audits activities.
If a conflict of interest occurs between the auditor and the audited company, AQC has to be informed as soon as possible by the most diligent party and AQC will propose solutions in the interest of all concerned parties.
- COMPENSATIONS
The theoretical duration of an audit is currently one day, to which is added the time of preparation and synthesis of observations calculated as follow:
- one day for the audit
- a half-day of preparation
- a half-day for the audit report
- if applicable a half-day compensation if the auditors travel time is greater than 4 hours
Transportation and accommodation costs are the responsibility of audited company.
A quotation will be sent to the audited company by AQC prior the audit.
Additional complementary audits can be charged to the audited company if required by the situation.
- CANCELLATION
Except in case of a specific prior written agreement, if the audited company informs AQC or the auditor of the cancellation of the audit less than 35 calendar days before the agreed date: 100% of the audit costs are due, included non-refundable transportation fees already engaged by the auditor.
Any audit shortened at the request of the audited company is invoiced to the total amount.
- CONFIDENTIALITY
AQC is very sensitive to apply and respect confidentiality of information commitments.
AQC, will not, except as required by law or court order, use the confidential information for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the audit or disclose the confidential information to any third party, included its members and/or any other stakeholders.
AQC ensures that confidential information will be only accessible to a limited number of AQC employees – and AQC employees only – that have signed a commitment to protect the confidentiality of the information. AQC employees are not allowed to communicate audits confidential information to any third party included its members and/or any other stakeholders.
Unless otherwise agreed to in advance and in writing by audited company, Auditor will not, except as required by law or court order, use the confidential information for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the services or disclose the confidential information to any third party.
In this Agreement the term “confidential Information” shall mean the work product (audit and audit report) and any information and data relating to audited companies business, including, but not limited to, research, developments, product plans, products, services, diagrams, formulae, processes, techniques, technology, firmware, software, know-how, designs, ideas, discoveries, inventions, improvements, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, customers, suppliers, markets, marketing, finances disclosed by AQC or audited companies either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or visually, to auditor.
Confidential Information does not include information which:
- is in or comes into the public domain without breach of this Agreement by the auditor,
- was in the possession of the auditor prior to receipt from AQC or audited company and was not acquired by the auditor from the AQC or audited company under an obligation of confidentiality or non-use,
- is acquired by the auditor from a third party not under an obligation of confidentiality or non-use to AQC or the audited company
Once the delivery of the audit report and/or the termination of this Agreement occurs for any reason, Auditor is not allowed to retain or preserve any Confidential Information in tangible form that he may have in his possession or control. Auditor is allowed to retain a copy of the audit report for its personal legal obligations.
Audits information are archived for 10 years.
It is recommended that auditor also sign confidentiality agreement with audited companies.
- PAYMENT
An invoice is issued after the conduct of each audit by AQC.
Except where there is a written agreement stating otherwise, the payment period is 30 (thirty) calendar days after the invoicing date.
- GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
These General terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Switzerland without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions.