Shot of a meeting of the Quality Council The External Quality of the Port of Valencia is based on three foundations: -          The Quality Council representing the Port Community, headed by the Port Authority and acting as a decision-making Forum on issues affecting the Port, which in turn is subdivided into various Work Groups making in-depth studies of Quality and decisions referring thereto and resolving specific operational problems occurring at the Port of Valencia. -          The Seal of Quality Guarantee, which is the Quality Tool that the Port Community of Valencia uses to offer its customers a recognisable and guaranteed Quality certificate. This Seal is fully defined in the Port Regulations and Procedures, as are all agreements and projects drawn up by the Quality Council. The Seal of Quality Guarantee is a registered trademark in Spain and the European Union and has its Customer Defender Service and is externally audited. -          The Seal of Quality Guarantee Foundation of the Port of Valencia acts as an institutional backup for the system, as it is a body whose Board of Trustees, chaired by the President of the Valencia Regional Government, comprises representatives from leading Valencian institutions. This Project is financed through the Regional Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. It has a twofold role as the Neutral Proprietor of the Trademark as required under Trade Mark law and a prestige body supporting the Project, which is independent from the Port Community, and provides economic compensation to Port customers for nonfulfilment of the Guarantee also being able to fine Port companies authorised to use the Seal of Quality if any breaches of the Regulations occur. Operations undertaken by companies authorised to use the Mark These three pillars are today a reality thanks to the efforts of Valencia Port Authority, the Port Community of Valencia and Valencian institutions over the years, and this is why this Quality System differentiates the Port of Valencia from its competitors and also enhances the prestige of companies authorised to use the Seal of Quality from those that do not offer this guarantee. In short, this is a pioneering system that has achieved great prestige both home and abroad.