All L4M4 Test Inside CIPS Questions

Under FOB (Free on Board), the buyer assumes responsibility once the goods are loaded onto the ship, including costs and risks beyond this point. This Incoterm is commonly used in international trade, helping both parties clarify responsibilities and promote fair risk distribution.

Protectionist measures are designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. The most common form is import duties (tariffs), which raise the landed cost of goods entering the country. This creates a barrier to trade by making imports less competitive compared to local products. Arbitration is a dispute resolution method, not a trade barrier. Carnets are documents for temporary duty-free movement of goods, and inward processing relief is an exemption for goods imported for re-export. Responsible sourcing requires buyers to anticipate the cost and risk implications of protectionism when engaging in international supply.

Financial stability is a critical risk factor in high-value contracts. If a supplier collapses financially during contract performance, the buying organisation faces supply disruption, increased costs, and reputational risk. Financial assessments help identify vulnerabilities such as high debt, poor liquidity, or over-reliance on limited customers. While profitability, credit scores, and broader capability assessments are useful, the most pressing concern is ensuring continuity of supply. Ethical and responsible sourcing requires buyers to consider the long-term viability of suppliers, not just short-term savings. This aligns with responsible practice, protecting stakeholders, end customers, and the organisation’s own obligations.

Incorporating recognized standards into procurement specifications provides clear guidelines for suppliers, reducing ambiguity and ensuring that products or services meet predefined quality and safety criteria. This is particularly important in sectors like healthcare, where equipment must adhere to strict standards to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency.