PROCUREMENT GUIDE
How to verify a chemical supplier: 12 evidence checks
A directory profile is a starting point, not supplier qualification. Use this evidence-based checklist before samples, purchase orders, credit, or regulated shipments.
Updated July 31, 2026 · General information only; obtain qualified legal, regulatory, safety, and technical advice for your transaction.
Confirm the legal entity
Match the legal name, registration number, registered address, status, and directors against an authoritative corporate registry.
Verify control of the official domain
Confirm that email and documents come from the organization’s official domain. Treat look-alike domains and free email accounts as higher risk.
Map manufacturer, distributor, and trader roles
Establish who manufactures, owns specifications, releases batches, exports, invoices, and carries product liability.
Check product identity and specification
Align product name, grade, CAS where applicable, composition, specification, application limits, and test methods.
Review safety documentation
Obtain a current SDS in the required language and jurisdiction. Check classification, transport data, emergency contacts, and revision date.
Validate certificates at the source
Confirm certificate number, site scope, issuing body, accreditation, issue/expiry dates, and whether the product or only the management system is covered.
Confirm regulatory status
Determine which party is responsible for registrations and restrictions such as REACH, TSCA, local inventories, controlled substances, or end-use controls.
Inspect quality and change controls
Review batch release, CoA traceability, deviation/CAPA handling, complaints, retention samples, audit rights, and notification of process or source changes.
Test capacity and continuity claims
Ask for facility location, normal and surge capacity, lead times, critical raw-material dependencies, maintenance windows, and alternative sites.
Verify packaging and logistics
Confirm MOQ, packaging compatibility, dangerous-goods classification, labels, temperature/moisture controls, Incoterms, ports, and carrier capability.
Run sanctions, ownership, and payment checks
Screen the entity and beneficial owners as applicable. Independently verify bank-detail changes and avoid relying on emailed instructions alone.
Start with a controlled sample or trial order
Use agreed acceptance criteria, independent testing where warranted, traceable samples, and a limited commercial exposure before scaling.
Record the decision
For every check, record the source, date, reviewer, scope, mismatch, follow-up owner, and expiry date. “Verified” should always state what was checked and when—not imply a permanent guarantee.