Article 5 of the UNGCC provides that contractors shall obtain prior written approval and clearance from the UN for all subcontractors, it being understood that such approval and clearance does not relieve the contractor of any of its obligations under its contract with the UN. Subcontracting shall only be approved where their use reflects standard business practice or is otherwise justified by the nature of the goods, services or works to be delivered.

UN Staff responsible for Contract Administration and Management should not deal directly with subcontractors. Failure to abide by this principle could limit the UN contractor's liability vis-à-vis the UN for acts or omissions of the subcontractor.