Supplier Quality General Requirements

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Supplier Quality General Requirements

ABOUT FLEX

Flex is a leading sketch-to-scale™ solutions company that designs and builds intelligent products for a

connected world. With more than 200,000 professionals across 30 countries and a promise to help

make the world Live smarter™, the company provides innovative design, engineering,

manufacturing, real-time supply chain insight and logistics services to companies of all sizes in various

industries and end-markets. For more information, visit www.flex.com or follow us on Twitter @flexintl.

The information in this document is proprietary and intellectual property of Flex and should not be

disclosed to unauthorized recipient.

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1.0 BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Supplier Quality General Requirements document is the basis of all quality agreements

between all Flex’s legal entities (“Buyer”) and Flex’s suppliers (“Seller” or “Supplier”). Changes

to this procedure can only be made by approval from the Supplier Quality Systems team

supporting Global Procurement and Supply Chain.

2.0 PURPOSE

2.1 This document defines the general mandatory requirements for Suppliers relating to the

quality of all products or services purchased by the Buyer from Suppliers during the term of

any Agreement, including but not limited to purchases made pursuant to Purchase Orders,

General Business Agreements or any other contract or document referencing this

document. Specific quality criteria, targets and similar measurements will be mutually

agreed upon in product-specific Component Quality Plans (CQP) if not already defined in

a product specification. When referenced in the applicable contract or agreement or in a

purchase order issued by Flex, these requirements will comprise a complete quality

agreement between Buyer and Supplier.

2.2 Flex serves a variety of industries and business segments and, as such, Flex has unique

Supplier quality requirements specific to these industries and business markets. Processes and

tools described in this document represent the core expectations and requirements of our

business partners/Suppliers. Additional quality requirements specific to the business segments

supported by each Flex entity and Buyer are driven by customer requirements and are

located at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage in the “Special Segment Requirements”

section.

3.0 SCOPE

3.1 This document applies to all Flex Suppliers including but not limited to Manufacturer, Broker

or Distributor, Service providers, etc.

4.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

4.1 Continuous Improvement: Meeting or exceeding Flex’s customer needs and expectations

on an ongoing basis at a cost that represents value to its customers by reducing variability,

cost and waste through incremental improvements in existing processes, systems and

products, and introducing innovative new products and processes. Corrections to

processes/products that do not meet current requirements are not considered a part of

continuous improvement.

4.2 CIP: Continuous Improvement Program

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4.3 Control Plan: Written description that delineates a product’s major manufacturing steps and

details the process parameters, performance tests, and quality assurance verification

procedures used to control each step. Such plans must address all critical and significant

design characteristics. Proprietary information relating to process and manufacturing

methods is not required.

4.4 Lean: An improvement approach aimed at improving efficiency by removing wastes.

4.5 Six Sigma: A structured, statistics based (data driven) problem solving method to reduce

defects and variation in key business processes.

4.6 CQP: Component Quality Plan

4.7 Critical/Significant Characteristic: Product, process or test attribute for which quality-

planning actions must be summarized on a control plan. These characteristics are

established from a review of the design and/or process FMEAs. These characteristics typically

fall into the following categories:

• Characteristics identified by Flex based on process and product knowledge, criticality

for customer satisfaction, function, fit, durability, and/or appearance.

• Characteristics specifically identified on part drawings or specifications.

4.8 Sustainability: Which integrates the different aspects into a company's environmental, social,

and economic aspects, including the supply chain.

4.9 Counterfeit Parts: A copy or substitute without legal right or authority to do so or one whose

material performances or characteristics are knowingly misrepresented. (As defined by the

U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Dept. of Energy, and SAE International in Counterfeit Electronic

Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition, AS5553). This may include cloning,

product skimming, disposal of scrap/rejects, qualification samples, reclamation/reuse, re-

branding, false conformity (i.e., RoHS), and devices with embedded malicious software

4.10 DPPM: Defective Parts Per Million

4.11 DPU: Defects Per Unit

4.12 First Article Inspection (FAI): The analysis of the first item manufactured in a production run to

verify correct setup and process parameters.

4.13 Lifetime Buy: Along with a PDN a supplier should provide their timeline or procedure for the

lifetime buy. This may include milestone dates such as the last date a PO will be accepted,

the maximum delivery schedule and the last ship date.

4.14 PDN: Product Discontinuation Notification

4.15 Lot: Quantity of a product produced under similar conditions so that the product within the

lot is expected to be homogeneous in all significant attributes. Unless otherwise stated in the

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control plan, a lot consists of no more than eight (8) hours of production produced within

one (1) day.

4.16 Lot Traceability: System for identifying and tracking a batch of raw material or components

through all steps in the manufacturing process and identifying the final product when it is

shipped to the customer(s).

4.17 MPN: Manufacturer’s Part Number

4.18 Non-Conforming Material: Product unit that does not meet applicable specifications.

4.19 Pass-Through Characteristics: Component characteristics that will not be detected by Flex

or the customer facility but may represent potential fit or function issues.

4.20 PCB: Printed Circuit Board

4.21 Process: System of people, equipment, methods, materials and environmental factors that

produces a product or service. A process implies action and the creation of products, ideas,

information or services.

4.22 PPAP: Production Part Approval Process

4.23 Process Change: A change in a process that could alter its capability to meet design or

durability requirements for a product. Process changes include:

• New, different, relocated or rehabilitated production machinery/equipment;

• Any change in subcontracted products or services including the use of engineering-

approved alternate materials; and

• Changes to rework methods.

4.24 Process Change Notification (PCN): Required process by which Flex must be notified of all

proposed temporary or permanent changes affecting material form, fit, or function status.

4.25 FMEA: Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

4.26 DFMEA: Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

4.27 Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA): Analytical technique that uses the

potential failure modes of a process and their causes to prioritize improvement opportunities.

Numeric ratings are given to severity of the effect of the failure, the likelihood of the failure

occurring, and, the ability to detect the failure once it occurs. The PFMEA should be treated

as a living document that is updated as necessary whenever the process changes.

4.28 Quality Agreement: A standard agreement established by Flex concerning the quality of

production parts that may be shipped and placed into stock or production.

4.29 Quality Records: Quality system information such as inspection data, laboratory test data,

and gauge/test equipment calibration records that are documented to verify the operation

of the quality system.

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4.30 RBA: Responsible Business Alliance (formerly EICC, Electronics Industry Citizenship Coalition)

4.31 RMI: Responsible Minerals Initiative (formerly CFSI, Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative)

4.32 ECIA: Electronic Components Industry Association

4.33 Sample: One (1) or more individual events or measurements selected from the output of a

process.

4.34 SCAR: Supplier Corrective Action Request

4.35 SPC: Statistical Process Control

4.36 Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE): Flex quality representative and main contact to Suppliers

concerning quality-related issues.

4.37 ESD: Electrostatic Discharge

4.38 Supplier Rating System (SRS): Supplier management tool that fosters continuous

improvement through quarterly performance scorecards assessing and measuring Suppliers’

quality, delivery, price, and responsiveness in order to promote world-class Suppliers.

4.39 SAQ: Supplier Assessment Questionnaire

4.40 QMS: Quality Management System

4.41 PSL: Preferred Supplier List

4.42 ASL: Flex Approved Supplier List

4.43 EHS: Environmental, Health and Safety

4.44 MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet

4.45 RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances

4.46 EDM: Expensed Direct Materials

4.47 MSD: Moisture Sensitive Devices

4.48 Quality Alert: Flex’s procedure to ensure that identified quality issues related to purchased

parts from manufacturers are communicated within Flex.

4.49 NFF: No Fault Found

4.50 RMA: Return Material Authorization

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All rights reserved. This Document is subject to change without notice and is controlled in Flex DMS. All copies (electronic or 
printed) are uncontrolled. 
 
 
4.51  AQL: Acceptance Quality Level 
 
4.52  OTD: On-Time Delivery  
 
4.53  SMI: Supplier Managed Inventory 
 
4.54  CRP: Continuous Replenishment Program 
 
4.55  QBR: Quarterly Business Review 
 
4.56  ES: Engineering Specifications 
 
4.57  CoC: Certificate of Conformance 
4.58  COT: Certificate of Test 
 
4.59  21 CFR Part 820: Medical Device QMS Requirements (FDA)  
 
4.60  CMT: Claim Management Tool 
 
 
5.0  REFERENCES 
 
5.1  External: 
 
•  Flex Ethics & Governance Webpage 
•  Flex Labor & Human Rights Policy 
•  Global Barcode Marking Standard for EDM Material (Chemicals) 
•  Global Barcode Marking Standards for Purchased Parts and Supplier Hubbed Parts 
•  Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) Website 
•  Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Website 
•  RBA Code of Conduct 
•  Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) Website 
•  Global Standards for the Microelectronics Industry from the JEDEC Website 
o  Customer  Notification  of  Product/Process  Changes  by  Solid-State  Suppliers, 
JESD46. 
o  Product Discontinuance, JESD48. 
o  Counterfeit Electronic Parts: Non-Proliferation for Manufacturers, JESD243 
o  General Requirements for Authorized Distributors of Commercial and Military 
Semiconductor Devices, JESD31E. 
o  Handling,  Packing,  Shipping,  and  Use  of  Moisture/Reflow  Sensitive  Surface 
Mount Devices, IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033. 
•  Certification for Counterfeit Components Avoidance Program, CCAP-101 Certified. 
•  Acceptability  of  Electronic  Components  Distributed  in  the  Open Market,  IDEA-STD-
1010. 
•  Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade, ISPM 15. 
•  Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, ANZI/ASQC Z1.4 

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•  Sampling Procedure for Inspection by Attributes, ISO 2859-1 
•  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification 
•  Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard 
•  Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Website 
 
5.2  Internal: 
 
•  Flex Supplier Quality Webpage. 
•  Supplier Rating System Overview 
•  All PCNs shall be submitted in writing to the Flex PCN Team 
•  PCB Receiving Inspection Lot Acceptance Testing for Microelectronics,  TEC-ENG-3-
084-00 
•  Special Requirements – Medical, FMS-QMS-3-011-00 
•  Special Requirements – Automotive, FMS-QMS-3-006-00 
•  Special Requirements – Aerospace, FMS-QMS-3-010-00  
•  Corrective and Preventive Actions, FMS-QMS-1-008-00 
•  Control of Documented Information, FMS-QMS-1-001-00 
 
 
6.0  SUPPLIER QUALITY GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
 
6.1  Communication and Document Submission: While Flex has multiple manufacturing locations 
worldwide, the official communication and document submission language between Flex 
and its suppliers is only English. 
 
6.2  Quality  Standards:  Unless  otherwise  specified  and  approved  by  the  Buyer,  the  Supplier  is 
required to have a Quality Management System (QMS) in operation aligned with ISO 9001, 
ISO 13485, 21 CFR Part 820, TL 9000, ISO/TS16949, AS9100, or other applicable QMS system. 
Accreditation by a third-party certification body to the current version of a QMS standard 
will  be  viewed  more  favorably  by  the  Buyer  in  Supplier  qualification  criteria.  Suppliers 
providing  material  and  parts  for  specific  Automotive,  Medical  or  Aerospace  &  Defense 
business  segments,  shall  follow  the  requirements  posted  at  the  Flex  Supplier  Quality 
Webpage in the “Special Segment Requirements” section. 
 
6.3  Amendments/Deviations/Exceptions:  Any  amendment,  deviation  or  exception  to  the 
requirements herein shall be mutually agreed in writing between Buyer and Supplier.  
 
6.4  Supplier Contacts: Suppliers are required to register the names of all  key contacts for  the 
supplied  commodities,  and  to  identify  individual(s)  for  Flex  to  contact  with  questions  or 
concerns  regarding  goods,  services,  quality,  packaging  and  transportation  or  any  other 
related quality assurance functions as they arise. 
 
6.4.1  The Supplier is required to provide an updated copy of the quality contacts when any 
changes  occur  in  the  contact  information  that  Flex  has  on  record,  when  new 
components are introduced, and at least once a year thereafter. 
 

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6.4.2  If  requested,  the  Supplier  shall  provide  contact  information  for  individuals  to  be 
contacted outside of normal working hours in support of Flex’s 24/7 global operations. 
 
6.4.3  The  Supplier  main  point  of  contact  is  the  Flex  Buyer,  or  the  Flex  Supplier  Quality 
Engineer associated with the project(s) the Supplier is supporting. 
 
6.5  In  accordance  with  Flex’s  Supplier  Code of Conduct,  posted  at  the  Flex  Supplier  Quality 
Webpage, suppliers shall: 
 
6.5.1  Adhere to Flex’s standards of ethics and integrity as expressed at: 
 
•  Flex Ethics & Governance Webpage 
•  Flex Labor & Human Rights Policy 
 
6.5.2  Adopt and conform to Flex Supplier Practices Guidelines, posted at the Flex Supplier 
Quality Webpage in  order to conduct business based on the superior value of the 
goods and services purchased by Flex. 
 
6.5.3  Adopt and monitor conformance with the RBA Code of Conduct, a set of standards 
on social, environmental and ethical issues in the supply chain. Topics include labor, 
health and safety, ethics, environmental, and management systems. 
 
6.5.4  Comply with all Flex environmental requirements posted at the Flex Supplier Quality 
Webpage  
 
6.5.5  In accordance with Flex’s Conflict Minerals Policy, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality 
Webpage,  gold  mined  and  smelted  from  the  Democratic  Republic  of  Congo  or 
adjoining  countries)  shall  not  be  used  in  any  products  sold  to  Buyer.  If  Supplier 
identifies conflict minerals sourced and used within their supply chain, Supplier shall 
take immediate action to identify alternatives from known non-conflict sources: 
 
•  Upon  reasonable  request  by  Buyer,  submit  within  six  (6)  weeks  a  Conflict 
Minerals Report following the Conflict Minerals Supplier Training, posted at the 
Flex Supplier Quality Webpage that incorporates conflict mineral information 
from their entire supply chain back to the raw material smelter. Information on 
the  Responsible  Minerals  Initiative  is  available  on  the  Responsible  Minerals 
Initiative (RMI) Website. 
 
6.5.6  Define  and  implement  appropriate  and  effective  policies  in  order  to  ensure 
compliance with all environmental regulations and shall regularly assess compliance 
by Supplier and its suppliers. Upon request, Supplier shall inform Buyer of the measures 
adopted to ensure compliance with specifically identified environmental regulations. 
Any exception to any environmental requirements that the Supplier wishes to utilize 
must be agreed to in writing with Buyer. 
 
6.5.7  Establish  and  maintain  processes  and  procedures  within  their  company,  subsidiary 
operations, and  their  Tier  1  supply chain  to  measure  and  report Green House  Gas 

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Emissions based on the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol Corporate Standard.

Supplier is required to work with Buyer to report such emissions related to the business

levels provided to Buyer through participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

Website or in a manner to be mutually agreed upon in order to help both parties to

become more energy efficient and reduce environmental impacts.

6.5.8 Regularly assess their own and their sub-supplier’s compliance to the Supplier Code

of Conduct, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage.

6.5.9 Upon request, comply with Flex’s Supplier Sustainability Program for assessing

compliance with the RBA Code of Conduct and applicable laws and regulations. For

more information on Sustainability requirements and assessments, see Supplier

Sustainability Training, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage.

6.6 Risk Management: Suppliers are responsible for the quality of the products and services

supplied to Flex. Supplier shall inform Buyer immediately if there is any possible risk related to

reliability, function, safety or deviation from legal compliance related to Supplier’s product.

This includes any test or production control errors which may influence the quality of products

manufactured by Flex or increase Flex’s liability risk.

6.6.1 If Flex and/or its customer’s production are interrupted by the failure of the Supplier to

deliver scheduled products in accordance with the delivery schedule noted on the

purchase order or other written document, all costs and penalties that are incurred

by Flex or its customers will be paid or reimbursed by the Supplier.

6.6.2 Suppliers are required to establish a contingency plan to prevent failure to deliver

products or services on time and review its plan a minimum of annually. The Supplier’s

contingency plan shall include risks related to the environment, government

regulations, natural disasters, labor disputes, etc. Flex reserves the right to review the

Supplier’s contingency plan.

6.6.3 The Supplier shall maintain a documented disaster recovery plan to manage the

significant business interruptions such as natural, wealth-related, man-made, or

technological disasters, including but not limited to, fire or wildfire, chemical/toxic

waste spill or release, explosion, building collapse, fuel shortage, gas leak, heating,

ventilation or air conditioning failure, computer/software failure, virus or destruction,

confidential information leak, biological contamination, civil disorder, employee

strike, hostage taking/kidnapping, terrorist/security crisis, disease epidemic, dam

failure, avalanche, and weather disasters such as blizzard, cold or heat extreme,

drought, flood, dust storm, earthquake, hurricane or landslide. This plan shall establish

the procedures and responsibilities to be used by Supplier’s management to ensure

the continuity of manufacturing operations and delivery of services. Recovery

Management Teams shall be appointed by Supplier management and trained to

address disaster recovery.

6.7 Supplier Assessment: When requested by Flex, the Supplier shall complete a Supplier

Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and provide all information and documentation identified

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therein in a timely manner. This document is used to conduct a risk assessment to confirm

that a good fit exists between Flex’s needs and the Supplier’s quality system and process

controls. Such assessment may be but not limited to:

• Award of a contract to become a Flex supplier.

• Assess corrective action resulting from a below-standard Supplier performance

rating.

• Assess Suppliers with a high impact to quality and/or if required by Flex’s

customers.

• Assess Supplier improvement and development initiatives.

6.7.1 Audit: Flex may conduct audits and inspections with respect to the manufacture, sale

and delivery of products to Flex, and all requirements herein:

• If an on-site/remote audit is required, the Flex Auditor (SQE, Sustainability rep,

or lead Auditor) will schedule the audit with the Supplier quality contact.

• Distributors and brokers with a laboratory within their facility must be

physically/remote audited to verify their capabilities.

• At Flex’s option, it may conduct the audit or inspection itself or select an

independent third party to conduct the audit on its behalf. If Flex selects an

independent third party to conduct the audit or inspection, Supplier may

require that the independent third party execute a confidentiality agreement

reasonably acceptable to Supplier.

• At Flex’s option, it may be accompanied by its customer.

• Supplier shall, and shall cause its affiliates, suppliers, employees and agents, to

cooperate fully in any audit or inspection conducted by or on behalf of Flex at

no additional charge to Flex.

• Supplier shall immediately take all necessary or desirable corrective and

preventive actions to resolve any issues discovered by any audit or inspection

conducted by or on behalf of Flex. Additional audit requirements specific to

certain Buyer business units are noted in the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage in

the “Special Segment Requirements” section.

• A process/product audit may be required on selected goods and/or Suppliers

with high impact to quality.

6.8 Component Qualification Process: Product approval is required prior to first shipment of

product in the following instances. Supply shall inform Flex when any of these activities occurs

prior to implementation and adhere to FAI requirements and obtain approval prior to

shipment of production parts:

• A new part or revised part or product not previously supplied to Buyer.

• Correction of discrepancy on prior submitted parts.

• Product modified by engineering change to customer drawings and specifications,

design records or materials.

• Use of other material or manufacture than previously approved or change of source

for subcontracted parts, materials or services

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• Product supplied following any change in process or methods of manufacture,

control plan, or change to the print dimensions/characteristics, including any change

to the revision of material or technical specification.

• Product from replaced, modified, refurbished or rearranged existing tooling or

equipment, including transfer to another facility.

o Refurbishment and/or replacement of existing tooling or equipment (except

for consumable tooling, dies, molds, patterns, etc.) requires internal part

approval only, unless the control plan is changed.

o Equipment moves or repositioning within the same plant require internal

(Supplier) part approval only, unless process flow and/or the control plan are

changed.

• Product re-released after twelve (12) months of inactivity or twenty-four (24) months

of inactive tooling for volume production.

• After Flex suspends shipment due to Supplier quality concerns.

• Each occurrence of reworking, re-sequencing, or reprocessing of a product involving

customer critical/significant characteristics that are not already formally defined and

documented in the approved flow chart and control plan.

• Change in appearance not specified in “blueprints” by customer specification, e.g.,

paint dots, etc.

• Change in packaging.

6.8.1 Supplier shall obtain Flex approval for all material sources. The Supplier shall identify

all material sources during the quotation process or feasibility review. If a Supplier

wants to use material from a different or additional material source after the product

has satisfied FAI requirements, approval for the alternate material source shall be

obtained from Buyer through the product change process (PCN) prior to

implementation of the change.

6.8.2 Prior to product manufacturing release, Flex may require measurement reports,

samples and application tests along with Supplier’s manufacturing process

description including control points or other qualification attributes:

• Special characteristics (critical-to-function dimensions, SPC dimensions, Cp &

Cpk and other significant characteristics defined within specification) must be

monitored, recorded and statistically evaluated by Supplier for proven stability

and capability of the product. The Supplier shall identify the parameters of the

process that are relevant for the control of process stability and capability. The

use of special characteristics is in no way intended to minimize the importance

of other requirements. The Supplier shall develop a complete system for all

parts and characteristics.

• Any parts fabricated prior to the receipt of written approval by Flex will be at

the Supplier’s risk and liability.

• If requested by Flex, Supplier will provide all technical assistance, including

necessary manpower, in connection with the approval and the processing

capability of the supplied product.

6.8.3 Other FAI Requirements:

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• FAI documentation shall be submitted in English as well as in other languages

as specified in writing by the local Flex site.

• Dimensional results shall be submitted by the Supplier in a format provided by

Flex unless an alternate format is agreed upon in writing by the Flex SQE.

• A copy of the latest revision of the control plan shall be submitted to Flex as

part of any initial submission. Flex may require specific work instructions, or any

other documents related to the control plan.

• Upon request, a control plan shall be provided by the Supplier.

• Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) or other equivalent risk identification

and analysis system shall be used by the Supplier to examine the design and

manufacturing processes to locate and minimize any risks regarding the quality

of manufactured products.

• Design or process FMEA shall be used by the Supplier to define all necessary

activities. It shall be prepared with input from all relevant departments

including the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) aspects.

• Sample labels shall be applied to each box/container used to ship samples;

also, inner container need to have a label with the following data as minimum.

o Flex Part Number and Revision.

o Quantity.

o Date Code.

o Lot Number.

• Upon specific request by Flex, a report on special process controls may be

required for operations including, but not limited to, heat treating, welding,

painting or plating.

• All parts used in the process of dimensional evaluations shall be numbered in

accordance to their recorded results and submitted to Flex.

• In addition to master samples retained by the Supplier, the Supplier is

responsible for supplying master samples to Flex.

• Test Results and Process Performance Data is to be submitted as specified on

the drawing or purchase order. Flex expects the supplier to generate and

maintain all inspection data for all production runs and make it available on

request, (including but not limited to COT, Cp & Cpk).

• When material certifications are required by contract or customer, a copy of

the source’s material certification shall be included with the shipment and/or

during the qualification process. If material is purchased from a distributor or

manufacturer, the source shall be listed on the material certifications.

• Suppliers might be asking to follow the requirement of AIAG manuals:

Production Part Approval Procedure (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality

Planning (APQP), Potential Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA),

Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), etc.,

latest edition.

6.9 Material Control

6.9.1 Control of Materials and Services: Supplier shall define and control any procurement,

qualification, traceability, and screening requirements needed to ensure that

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materials, subcomponents, and subcontracted manufacturing services used by the

supplier are fully compatible with the applicable component specification. Supplier

shall maintain a list of qualified Suppliers of materials, subcomponents and

subcontracted services used in the manufacture of the product and make this

available to Flex if requested. The Supplier shall periodically audit or perform a similar

assessment of all subcontracted manufacturing operations to a quality standard

equivalent to the Supplier's own internal operations.

6.9.2 Pass-Through Requirements: Pass-through characteristics are those characteristics

produced by Suppliers (i.e., Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 to Flex) which are transparent to Flex’s

processes and controls. As such, quality defects in these characteristics risk being

"passed through" to Flex’s final customer(s). For example, a defect in a threaded hole

that is not used in assembly at Flex would be at risk of being “passed through” to Flex’s

final customers. For these, the Supplier shall:

• Identify pass-through characteristics at or before the kick-off of the product. If

there are any questions regarding the pass-through nature of a characteristic,

the Supplier must contact the Flex SQE for clarification.

• Identify all pass-through characteristics on the PFMEA, control plan and related

documentation.

• Verify the conformance of all pass-through characteristics using mistake-

proofing techniques at the Supplier’s facility before shipment to Flex including

those produced by subordinate Suppliers (denoted as Tier 2 or Tier 3 Suppliers

to Flex). When mistake-proofing is not possible, the Supplier shall contact the

Flex SQE for direction.

• Submit certification of pass-through characteristics with inspection data.

6.9.3 Counterfeit Components: Supplier expressly warrants that all products will be free from

any counterfeit material. “Counterfeit material” shall mean any component, part

and/or material that is made in imitation of the original device, forged, or copied or

contains in whole or in part any component, part or material that is made in imitation

of the original device, forged, or copied. Any product containing counterfeit material

shall be deemed defective. Supplier agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Buyer

harmless from and against any and all loss, claims, expenses (including legal

expenses), damages, settlements or other liabilities resulting from or arising out of any

incident of having provided Buyer with counterfeit product:

• If Buyer notifies Supplier of potential counterfeit product, Supplier shall act

immediately to diagnose and contain the problem and to prevent it from

continuing to impact either Flex or Flex’s customers. If counterfeit material is

contained in the products, the Supplier shall at Supplier's expense develop and

incorporate a remedy for the affected products and ship all subsequent

products incorporating that remedy.

• The Supplier’s warranty extends to labels and/or trademarks or logos affixed or

designed to be affixed to items supplied or delivered to Buyer. In addition,

because falsification of information or documentation may constitute criminal

conduct, the Buyer may reject and retain such information or items, at no cost,

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All rights reserved. This Document is subject to change without notice and is controlled in Flex DMS. All copies (electronic or 
printed) are uncontrolled. 
 
and  identify,  segregate  and  report  such  information  or  activities  to  law 
enforcement and investigative officials as required by law. 
•  On Flex’s request, Broker and Distribution Suppliers are required to demonstrate 
their  ability  to  identify  counterfeit  components  prior  to  shipment  to  Buyer, 
report  instances  of  counterfeit  components  and  take  all  appropriate  legal 
actions necessary related to them and mitigate any potential impacts to Flex 
or its customers. If Supplier does not have the required capabilities to perform 
any of the above responsibilities, Supplier must obtain a relevant certification 
(CCAP-101 Certified or IDEA-STD-1010) and demonstrate such capabilities to 
Flex’s satisfaction. 
•  Suppliers who supply counterfeit components or who do not conform to the 
requirements  above  shall  be  immediately  disqualified  and  may  only  be  re-
qualified  by  Flex  through  a  full  qualification  process  with  demonstrated 
evidence  of  corrective  action  including  but  not  limited  to  counterfeit  part 
mitigation certifications noted  above. Such  re-qualification shall be at  Flex’s 
sole discretion. 
 
6.9.4  Product  Identification  and  Packaging:  The  product  shall  be  marked/labeled 
according to Global Barcode Marking Standard for EDM Material (Chemicals) and 
Global Barcode Marking Standards for Purchased Parts and Supplier Hubbed Parts, 
posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage and other specific product requirements 
(e.g. MSD, RoHS, ESD, etc.) to create awareness  to logistics or any other party who 
handles the material looking for proper handling until final destination. Such marking 
shall be both human and bar code readable at the lowest level of packaging: 
 
•  All  moisture  sensitive  devices  shall  be  packed  and  marked  according  to 
Handling,  Packing,  Shipping,  and  Use  of  Moisture/Reflow  Sensitive  Surface 
Mount Devices, IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 from the JEDEC Website. 
•  Supplier  shall  comply  with  packaging  regulations  of  destination  countries 
including,  but  not  limited  to,  Regulation  of  Wood  Packaging  Material  in 
International  Trade,  ISPM  15,  Forest  Stewardship  Council  (FSC)  Chain  of 
Custody  Certification  and/or  any  other  applicable  requirements  for  wood 
materials. 
•  Supplier  shall  comply  with  Supplier  Manual  and  Environmental  Procurement 
Guidelines, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage for the following: 
o  Heavy metals contained in package materials 
o  Battery requirements 
o  Halogen free and green requirements 
o  IPC labeling requirements 
•  Unless  otherwise  defined  by  Flex,  Supplier  is  responsible  for  the  use  of 
appropriate packing to guarantee adequate protection during the transport 
of the products. 
•  Material supplied in industry standard packaging (tape/reel, tube, tray, bag, 
etc.) must comply with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) 
Website’s  standards  specifications  to  ensure  proper  use  in  automatic 
component placement machines. 

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printed) are uncontrolled.

• All electrostatic sensitive devices shall be clearly identified with an ESD warning

label on each tray, tube, or reel within the shipment.

• Supplier shall ensure that each packed unit container does not exceed a 50

lbs. (20kg) weight limit unless the packed weight of an individual part exceeds

50 lbs. (20kg). Overweight containers may exceed 50 lbs. (20kg) when they are

supplied to Flex on a skid or pallet.

• All corrugated containers and palletized loads shall be stackable unless part

configuration and/or weight requirements do not permit this, and prior written

approval is received from Flex. The Supplier shall request and receive a

deviation from Flex for temporary use of packaging that does not meet

requirements.

• Supplier shall ensure that only one (1) part number is packed per container.

• Supplier shall separate on a pallet and properly label all in-process parts,

deviated parts, change-in-process parts, trial parts, design change levels and

special-order parts.

• Supplier shall establish and maintain a procedure to assure that the Flex

packaging requirements are met. The packaging specification records shall

contain packaging acceptance/approval by Flex. The Supplier shall comply

with specific packaging instructions defined by the Flex receiving facility.

• When changes to existing packaging are proposed, the Supplier shall request

and complete a Packaging and Shipping Data Form and submit it the Buyer

for each affected part number prior to changing the existing packaging.

• If non-conforming packaging is discovered by Supplier at the Supplier location

or at Flex, the Supplier shall follow all the required steps stated in the “Non-

conforming Products and Corrective Actions” section of this document.

• When applicable, supplier should include the shelf-life date for inventory

control proposes.

6.9.5 Traceability and Shelf Life: Suppliers are responsible for maintaining component/lot

traceability as outlined by Flex in Global Barcode Marking Standards for Purchased

Parts and Supplier Hubbed Parts, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage.

Supplier shall provide a trace code (lot-, date-, batch code) on the elementary pack

(the smallest standard package size) which will allow tracing back of all materials and

process steps (including sub-tier suppliers):

• Supplier shall comply with RoHS part numbering requirements as defined in

Supplier Manual and Environmental Procurement Guidelines, posted at the

Flex Supplier Quality Webpage.

• If a product is usable within a time limit only, the Supplier shall indicate the

expiration date on the product (i.e., Date code clocks and cavity numbering

for plastics, location numbering in the PCB with several boards in panel, etc.)

and on the package. Special storage requirements shall be indicated on the

package. If any additional special marking is required, Flex will provide the

specifications prior to purchase order placement. Material delivered to Flex by

Suppliers shall have a minimum of one (1) year remaining shelf life.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

• Products older than one (1) year as measured by date code of delivery will be

returned to the Supplier for replacement, unless Flex has agreed otherwise in

writing.

• Material shelf life for solderable components (with exception of PCBs) shall not

exceed twelve (12) months from the date code imprinted on the product. This

shelf-life requirement has been determined to be adequate as part of the

manufacturing process of these types of products.

• Below are the standard recommendations of PCB shelf life solderability and

wire bond ability based on different surface finishes. Note that the information

below is based on being stored in a controlled environment in sealed

packaging and that shelf life for such finishes is compromised when the

package has been opened, perforated or damaged, or the temperature and

humidity controls have not been met for proper storage. To extend shelf life

beyond that noted below, the Supplier shall provide rework solutions if needed,

solderability testing analysis and obtain written acceptance from Flex. To

extend shelf life of PCBs with wire bondable finishes, the PCBs must meet all the

requirements of PCB Receiving Inspection Lot Acceptance Testing for

Microelectronics, TEC-ENG-3-084-00 for Type 1 Testing. The testing may be

performed by Flex (preferred) or by a third party approved by Flex.

NOTE: Flex’s customer requirements may dictate shorter shelf-life requirements,

which will be communicated to Supplier at the time of purchase order release.

• PCBs with wire bondable finishes shall also meet all the requirements of PCB

Receiving Inspection Lot Acceptance Testing for Microelectronics, TEC-

ENG-3-084-00 at receiving inspection.

6.9.6 Testing Facilities: Supplier shall use accredited laboratory facilities either for internal or

outsourced testing. An accredited laboratory is one that has been reviewed and

Surface Finish

Shelf-Life

Acceptance Criteria

(From date code)

Hot Air Solder Level – Pb

(HASL)

Twelve (12) months

Six (6) months

Electroless Ni, Immersion Au

(ENIG)

Twelve (12) months

Six (6) months

Electrolytic Ni, Electrolytic

Au (ENEG)

Twelve (12) months

Six (6) months

Electroless Ni, Electroless

Pd, Immersion Au

Twelve (12) months

Six (6) months

Organic Surface

Preservative (OSP)

Six (6) months

Three (3) months

Selective ENIG/OSP

Six (6) months

Three (3) months

Immersion (Ag)

Six (6) months

Three (3) months

Immersion (Sn)

Six (6) months

Three (3) months

Bondable Gold (Au)

Six (6) months

Three (3) months

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printed) are uncontrolled.

approved by a national-recognized body (e.g., American Association for Laboratory

Accreditation (A2LA) or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC)).

6.9.7 Measurement Traceability: All measurements shall be traceable to the National

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an equivalent national standard or any

other primary designated calibration standard agreed to by Flex.

6.10 Change Management: A Product Change Notification (PCN) is required for all changes to

production and prototype components affecting non-interchangeable form, fit or function

and including, but not limited to, product performance, reliability, safety, appearance,

serviceability, dimensions, tolerances, conformance to regulatory agencies, change of

machinery, factory change, change of sub-suppliers, etc., per the requirements of Customer

Notification of Product/Process Changes by Solid-State Suppliers, JESD46 from the JEDEC

Website. Such changes include, but are not limited to:

• Any change that requires alteration of Flex’s subsequent assembly

operations involving the product.

• Any change to the carrier packaging of the product, such as trays, tape

and reel, tubes, etc., for example, change to shipment from tray to tape &

reel.

• Any change to the orientation of the components within the trays, tape,

etc., or any other type of carrier packaging.

• Changes in sub-supplier or manufacturer part number.

• Elimination of lead from product finish.

• Conversion of product to RoHS-compliant status.

• Changes in components.

• Changes in inspection and/or testing.

• Manufacturing site changes.

• Deviations from the approved manufacturing process.

• Product discontinuance.

6.10.1 All PCNs shall be submitted in writing to the Flex PCN Team. Ninety (90) days prior to

any change implementation, or prior to shipment of the affected product (except for

those related to product discontinuation). Notification by Supplier shall be

independent of the last delivery date.

6.10.2 In case of product discontinuance, Seller shall provide written notice of planned

product discontinuation to the buyer per Product Discontinuance, JESD48 from the

JEDEC Website as follows:

• Six (6) months minimum from the notice for last order dates.

• Twelve (12) months minimum from the notice for final shipment release

dates.

6.10.3 Product Discontinuation Notification (PDN) Information: As a minimum, the following

information shall be contained in the PDN:

• Reason for product discontinuation.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

• Entire list of “complete” MPNs of the discontinued product. “Complete”

means the entire unabbreviated MPN without placeholders for variable

characters and inclusive of all carrier-packaging designations such as

those for trays, tape and reel, etc. The “complete” list is inclusive of all MPNs

affected by the PCN or PDN and is not restricted to those MPNs that Flex

has a history of purchasing.

• Last date the purchase order will be accepted for the product being

discontinued, including Lifetime Buy procedure.

• Last date the product being discontinued will be shipped.

• List of possible MPNs to be considered, and/or recommended, as alternate

sources of supply for the discontinued product (when available).

• An assessment of the replacement ordering MPNs interchangeability with

the discontinued product.

• Manufacturer’s PDN tracking number.

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of Supplier

contacts for additional information regarding the discontinuation.

6.10.4 Flex Disclaimer:

• Flex’s receipt of a manufacturer’s PCN or PDN does not signify acceptance by

Flex of the proposed product or process change. The Supplier remains

responsible for shipping all products purchased by Flex in accordance with the

MPN listed on the applicable purchase order.

6.11 Preventive Maintenance: Supplier shall identify critical machinery, fixtures, and tooling,

including customer properties. Develop a preventive maintenance schedule for the regular

review and routine maintenance of these items to ensure the integrity and operability of the

equipment. Any requirement for replacement or adjustment shall be documented and

supported by evidence of the equipment’s return to manufacturer original specifications.

6.12 Calibration: Supplier shall establish and maintain a calibration system based on ISO 9001 or

ISO/TS16949 and their related documents and/or ANSI/NCSL Z540-1. Calibration of

inspection, measuring, or test equipment shall be conducted by a qualified in-house

laboratory, a qualified commercial/independent laboratory, or a recognized government

agency. Commercial/independent calibration facilities shall be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025

or have evidence that they meet the intent of ISO/IEC 17025 or the national equivalent.

6.13 Statistical Process Control: When appropriate, Supplier shall apply statistical process control

procedures in its manufacturing operations. Significant deviations shall be identified and

analyzed, the root cause determined, and the appropriate corrective actions implemented.

6.13.1 Whenever a SPC data point is found to be out of specification and product has been

shipped to Flex, Supplier shall immediately notify the Flex SQE and/or Buyer. Non-

conforming product may only be accepted if a temporary deviation has been

approved by Flex and/or its customer in advance and in writing.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

6.14 Quality Information: As evidence that supplied products meet required specifications,

Suppliers are required to record and retain data for each manufacturing lot of products

shipped to Flex. Supplier’s quality control records shall be available to Flex for a minimum of

three (3) years after the last delivery at manufacturing/operation site (then archived for more

time as specified by Flex or its Customer, depending on the contracts and/or specific Flex

segment special requirements).

6.14.1 For components identified as critical by Flex and for safety critical goods and

components provided to Flex, mutually agreed quality records shall be made

available by Supplier for fifteen (15) years after the last delivery.

6.14.2 Upon request, Supplier shall provide to Flex product control plans as defined herein.

6.14.3 Flex will supply inspection requirements to the Supplier. If specific requirements have

not been communicated, Supplier shall (at a minimum) record, maintain and make

readily accessible data for each manufacturing lot based on the Supplier’s control

plan for the given product. In the case of subassemblies, data to be recorded is

required by individual serial number. When data is requested by Flex, the Supplier shall

submit inspection data for the required lot or part (as applicable) in an easily

interpreted format within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of request.

6.15 Non-Conforming Products and Corrective Actions

6.15.1 A non-conformance is any disruption created by Supplier that impacts Flex or its

customer’s process. Typical examples of a non-conformance include but are not

limited to:

• A non-conformance related to the product specification (e.g., drawing,

environmental specification, impact on fit, form and function, Electrical,

Humidity, Rosh, Revision, Part Marking, etc.).

• A higher DPPM/quality level over committed target.

• An unsatisfactory response to a complaint (e.g., no timely response, no

efficient containment action).

• A delay or error in delivery which leads to disruptions in Flex manufacturing

plant (except if there is evident inadequacy between determined and real

delivery requirements).

6.15.2 Non-conforming material shall not be reworked and re-sold to Flex as new product

unless prior written authorization has been granted by Flex and/or its customer, as

applicable. In such instances, additional and/or special labeling and identification

shall be applied for traceability purposes.

6.15.3 Supplier shall perform failure analysis on all returned defective material and when

requested shall provide results to Flex according 8D. Supplier shall collect the data

resulting from returned material failure analysis and evaluate trends and recurrences

for continuous improvement, the time for each 8D will be determined by the CAR

owner, the below table can be used as general guidelines.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

*Standard = not related to quality claim

*High priority = quality related claim

6.15.4 If the non-conformance is confirmed as Supplier Related supplier may receive a claim

notification requesting the expenses incurred. Flex expects the supplier takes liability

of the quality and freight topics and close them in no more than thirty (30) days.

6.15.5 Supplier shall immediately send a Quality Alert to Flex whenever suspected non-

conforming product has been shipped to Flex.

6.15.6 From time to time, and only upon Flex’s written release, Flex may accept non-

conforming product. All costs of investigations required to obtain a release by Flex

shall be paid or reimbursed by the Supplier. NOTE: Medical device sites may require

additional controls to ensure acceptability of products. This will be determined by site

nonconformance processes.

6.15.7 Supplier shall manage all complaints according to the Corrective and Preventive

Actions, FMS-QMS-1-008-00 or equivalent corrective action methodology. Supplier

may use its own template and attach it preferably at Flex’s CAR system. Supplier

maintaining a clear registration and complaint tracking system to facilitate progress

management and reviews.

6.15.8 Incoming Inspection:

• Buyer reserves the right to evaluate any Supplier material delivered at Buyer’s

Incoming Inspection. Buyer’s incoming inspection may only cover product

type, quantity and externally visible transportation damage. Buyer is not

obligated to perform a more detailed examination upon arrival. Supplier will

be notified if rejected goods are identified. After confirmation of the defective

material, rejected material batch shall be replaced by Supplier at Supplier’s

cost.

• Buyer shall have thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of product to inspect

and test for conformity with specifications (“Acceptance”), and will either

accept, return for rework, or reject the product. If Buyer returns a product for

rework, Supplier agrees to correct the product, and resubmit for re-inspection

and testing under the same acceptance procedures previously used. In the

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printed) are uncontrolled.

event Buyer rejects a product, it shall give Supplier written notice of such

rejection stating the reason(s) for unacceptability. If Buyer fails to reject the

product within such thirty (30) day period, the product shall be deemed

accepted.

6.15.9 Quality Failures of Accepted Product:

• For all non-conforming material discovered at any stage in the process or in

the field, the Supplier will bear all risks of loss with respect to all non-conforming

materials and will promptly pay or reimburse all costs incurred by Buyer. Non-

conforming material costs incurred may include, but are not limited to:

o Cost of line stoppage.

o Labor costs for sorting, reworking, extra testing and machine re-setup

man hours.

o Scrap costs (finished goods, subassemblies, components).

o Material handling and storage costs.

▪ Handling of all non-conforming or surplus purchased materials

(including import costs).

▪ Storage of non-conforming or surplus materials at Flex or external

parties.

▪ Extra material or product freight costs at Flex or external parties.

▪ Materials over costs.

▪ Packing document discrepancies at Flex or external parties (e.g.,

customs).

o Customer charges.

▪ Customer claimed costs (final invoice from customer claim).

▪ Travel expenses due to issue at Flex’s customer.

▪ Incident handling costs at Flex’s customer (containment, failure

analysis, corrective actions, visit customer, visit supplier).

▪ Expenses for evaluation of the damage at Flex’s customer from

external parties.

▪ Devaluation (lost commercial properties, discount for poor

quality).

o Administrative costs.

▪ Administration of supplier compliant and cost reimbursement

from supplier.

▪ Handling incident at Flex’s line (containment, failure analysis,

corrective actions).

▪ Handling incidents at Flex’s incoming inspection (containment,

failure analysis, corrective actions, visit supplier).

▪ Travel expenses due to quality issues at Flex.

o Extra testing by external laboratory.

o Engineering costs.

o Tools, fixtures and measurement equipment for containment, auxiliary

material or energy costs.

• In cases where time is of the essence and Buyer must disposition the product,

sorting and/or reworking costs performed by Buyer shall be paid by the

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printed) are uncontrolled.

Supplier. If Supplier does not respond to return request for defective products

within two (2) weeks of request, Buyer reserves the right to dispose of rejected

products with all disposal costs borne by Supplier.

6.15.10 Defective Products or Services:

• Defective products verified as Supplier caused may, by mutual agreement

between Buyer and Supplier, either be returned to Supplier or scrapped by

Buyer. Rejected products shall be replaced or credited at Buyer’s option.

Supplier shall provide immediate product replacement via the most rapid

delivery method when significant rejected product quantities are involved.

• Buyer payment for any non-conforming product will not constitute

acceptance by the Buyer, limit or impair Buyer’s right to exercise any rights or

remedies or relieve the Supplier of its responsibilities for the non-conforming

product.

• Flex expects its suppliers to assume responsibility for assuring the quality of

products shipped. Products are expected to meet specification requirements

and applicable standards. The Supplier shall assume responsibility for all non-

conforming products.

• Non-conforming material (verified, suspected, or potential) will be reported to

the Supplier by the Flex buyer. The Flex SQE may issue a Supplier Corrective

Action Request (SCAR).

• If an excessive failure occurs (such as line stop, chronic delivery or product

issue, etc.), Supplier and Buyer will cooperate to implement the following

procedure:

o The party that discovers the failure will promptly notify the other party.

o Supplier will give an initial response to Buyer indicating its preliminary

plan for diagnosing and addressing the problem within two (2) business

days.

o Supplier and Buyer will jointly exert all commercially reasonable efforts

to diagnose the problem and plan a workaround or more permanent

solution.

o Supplier will apply its engineering change order procedure in

appropriate circumstances for hardware problems originating in the

manufacturing process.

o Supplier will prepare and consult with Buyer regarding an appropriate

recovery plan as well as an appropriate workaround, as an interim

solution, if one is needed.

o Supplier and Buyer will mutually agree on a recovery plan to address

product delivery issues.

6.15.11 Corrective Actions:

• When the Flex SQE issues a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR):

o Where complex issues are involved, an action progress report shall be

communicated within five (5) working days with subsequent daily

updates.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

o The SCAR will be forwarded to the Supplier with samples (when

applicable) or pictures exhibiting the non-conformance(s).

o Supplier is expected to take the appropriate containment actions and

internal corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.

• If necessary, the Supplier shall cooperate with Flex to resolve No Fault Found

(NFF) situations by reconsideration of parametric specifications, test

coverage/correlation and review of the performance envelope with respect

to specification limits.

• The Supplier is responsible for providing updates on all interim activities, through

SCAR verification and closure. Corrective action measures shall be

communicated to Flex Buyer/SQE within defined SCAR due date unless a time

extension has been agreed to by the Flex SQE. Failure to respond to the SCAR

within the designated time period may affect the Supplier rating and could

lead to the removal of the Supplier from the Flex Approved Supplier List.

• If discrepant product cannot be returned due to production requirements, the

Supplier will be requested to provide on-site assistance with sorting or rework. If

sort or rework activity is performed by an outside third party, supply may be

required to have an employee on site within twenty-four (24) hours of

notification to supervise these activities.

• If Flex is required to sort and/ or rework non-conforming product to maintain

production requirements, the Supplier will be charged a predetermined hourly

rate. In addition, if the sort and/or rework involves finished product, only Flex

representatives are authorized to conduct the sort and/or rework operation. A

debit will be issued for the expenses incurred.

6.15.12 Warranty:

• Warranty as stated in purchase order terms and conditions covers both Flex

and its customers. Supplier shall replace any and all defective or non-

conforming products free of charge. Supplier shall be liable for and save Flex

harmless from any loss, damage or expense whatsoever that Flex may suffer

from breach of any of these warranties. Remedies include repair, replacement

or reimbursement of the purchase price of non-conforming goods at the sole

discretion of Flex.

6.15.13 Return Material Authorization (RMA):

• Supplier is required to furnish a Return Material Authorization for the return of

non-conforming product or product for which the ability to meet the quality

specifications or requirements cannot be adequately determined within one

(1) business day from Supplier in same region or a maximum of two (2) days

from Supplier in a different region. If return authorization has not been received

within four business days, Flex may return the material to the Supplier and debit

their account. The Supplier is responsible for the shipping costs and should

provide shipping instructions to return the defective/suspected material. In

cases where local or national laws do not permit this, other similar or functional

agreements shall be made between both parties.

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printed) are uncontrolled.

• Flex expects the claim to be closed financially with the corrective action report

within thirty (30) business days of the original defect date.

6.16 Supplier Performance

6.16.1 Incoming Quality conformance is expressed in Acceptance Quality Level (AQL). The

standard sampling level shall be AQL of 0.65 unless otherwise defined by the Quality

Site Responsible. The standard sampling plan shall be according to Sampling

Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, ANZI/ASQC Z1.4 or Sampling

Procedure for Inspection by Attributes, ISO 2859-1:

• Single Inspection

• Level II

• Normal Inspection, if not defined

6.16.2 Material DPPM targets for specific products/ segments will be indicated in the special

requirements procedures (Medical, Automotive and Aerospace). In the case of

supplied raw materials (e.g., granulate), alternative definitions may be applied.

6.16.3 Outgoing Quality:

• Supplier shall monitor the outgoing quality level (Shipped Product Quality

Level) in DPPM for individual components and for part families that use

common manufacturing processes (commodity). Measurement of outgoing

quality via out-of-box auditing and in-process measurement are acceptable

methods. The number of defectives shall include all units found not conforming

to functional, visual and/or dimensional requirements.

• Outgoing quality levels shall meet or exceed the agreed DPPM requirements

for product supplied to Flex as specified in the component specification.

Inspection data shall be kept including the DPPM level per part number (or per

part family or commodity, as applicable). Outgoing quality data shall be

made available upon request.

• If outgoing quality level targets are not met (based on agreed DPPM

requirements), the supplier shall implement corrective action and inform Flex

of the situation and the corrective action being taken by responding to a SCAR

opened by Flex.

6.16.4 Performance Measurement:

• Supplier quality performance is measured by the number of rejects impacting

DPPM/DPU calculation, repetitive claims, line down situations, and/or returned

products. Other considerations are quality system audit status, Supplier

Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), annualized field failure rate (defined by

location), and lot acceptance rate at receiving inspection.

• Supplier’s business performance may be evaluated through the SRS on a

quarterly basis and Flex may issue Suppliers a Supplier Rating Report. The

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Supplier performance score is calculated based on different metrics that are

outlined in the Supplier Rating System Overview presentation

• For Suppliers who receive unsatisfactory performance metrics, Supplier shall

submit a written improvement plan within two (2) weeks after receipt of rating

report providing a roadmap and commitments on dates when Supplier will

reach an acceptable rating.

• Based on results and trends, selected Suppliers may be required to participate

in a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with Flex during which the Supplier

presents its corrective action to Flex Management. Poor quality performance

may result in probation or removal from the Flex Approved Supplier List (ASL),

resulting in possible loss of business with Flex.

6.17 Supplier Development and Improvement

6.17.1 Supplier Development Process:

• Supplier improvement initiatives shall focus on issues related to process, quality

system, cost, capacity and delivery.

• Flex will monitor the Supplier performance using the Supplier Rating System

(SRS).

• The Supplier shall maintain its own data to calculate DPPM and identify

quality performance trends within their own processes and make this data

available to Flex upon request.

6.17.2 Continuous Improvement:

• All Suppliers are required to maintain quality systems that ensure parts shipped

to Flex meet specification. Suppliers are expected to have an action plan and

the necessary controls to maintain and improve their processes and systems.

• In evaluating their continuous improvement efforts, the Supplier should monitor

the following:

o Voice of the customer: These measures reflect quality performance as

seen by Flex and its customers via the Supplier Rating System (SRS) and

in compliance with this document.

o Voice of the process: These measurements reflect quality performance

as seen by the Supplier at the Supplier’s location.

o Continuous Improvement Program (CIP): The Supplier shall have a

continuous improvement program to produce material over the long

term that meets specifications and requirements. All Suppliers are

expected to measure their quality performance. The process should

have the support and involvement of the Supplier’s top leadership.

o Suppliers should identify the processes that need to receive continuous

improvement efforts. For those processes identified, individuals and/or

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quality improvement teams should be assigned to analyze the cause

and implement the indicated changes for improvement.

o The Supplier should be knowledgeable in advanced quality tools and

should utilize lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies in the

manufacturing process.

7.0 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

7.1 Regulatory: Upon request, Supplier shall obtain all required regulatory approvals, and apply

approbation marks accordingly, for products and manufacturing processes. Approvals shall

be obtained, and products marked prior to first deliveries.

7.2 Safety: Buyer shall identify all relevant safety requirements and provide associated

documentation for products designated for use in safety related applications. For other non-

safety use related products, Buyer shall inform Supplier of the status of any product attributes

Buyer deems important for safety considerations. When product safety considerations or

specifications exist, Supplier must demonstrate specific control processes or qualification

tests including, but are not limited to, product validation, third-party qualification, and

regulatory testing to guarantee 100% product compliance with Buyer’s safety considerations

or specifications.

7.2.1 Engineering Specifications (ES) Test Performance: The goal of ES testing is to confirm

that the design intent of the product has been met. If there is an ES failure, the Supplier

should stop production and shipments immediately. The Supplier shall immediately

notify Flex SQE about the ES failure and identify any suspect lots shipped to Flex.

7.2.2 Material Safety Data Sheets. Suppliers are required to identify restricted, hazardous

and otherwise regulated materials and warrant that the supplied materials comply

with all applicable regulations. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that complies

with applicable law for all restricted, toxic and hazardous materials must be submitted

for Flex’s review and approval prior to shipment of product.

7.2.3 If Supplier identifies hazardous substance (e.g., Benzene, etc.), Supplier should take

immediate action to stop using such substance and notify Flex.

7.3 Supplier Certification: Supplier should provide certificate of conformance (CoC) that

confirms the quality status of products and/or processes for each batch or any other interval,

the requested CoC should be provided as requested prior to or with each delivery. Unless

mutual agreement between both parties.

7.4 General Environmental Requirements

7.4.1 Upon Buyer's request, Supplier shall provide Buyer compliancy information in the form

of full material content declaration. All declarations shall be submitted in XML format

using the IPC 1752 standard or similar as requested by a specific Flex business

segment. Supplier warrants that the information it provides Buyer is correct and

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printed) are uncontrolled.

complete and will provide a Certificate of Compliance with each full material

content response. If a failure to comply is detected, Supplier shall, upon Buyer written

notice, immediately remedy such failure so that its conduct and product conforms to

requirements.

7.4.2 Upon Buyer’s request, Supplier shall certify compliance with applicable laws and

regulations identified by Buyer, and provide such evidence of compliance, which

may include but not limited to test results, test verification, and lab reports (including,

but not limited to, lab reports for RoHS banned substances, halogens and/or other

substances) according to requirements specified by Flex. Such evidence shall be

retained by Supplier, to be made available to Buyer on request, for a minimum of ten

(10) years from date of test.

7.4.3 All proposed temporary or permanent changes that affect material composition

and/or compliancy status shall be submitted using the required Product Change

Notification (PCN) process or according to the agreed upon contractual

requirements. For assistance with this process, see Product Change Notification (PCN)

Training for Manufacturers, posted at the Flex Supplier Quality Webpage.

8.0 DOCUMENT REVIEW AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 This document shall be reviewed and approved as defined in Control of Documented

Information, FMS-QMS-1-001-00.