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Research Material Supplier Evaluation Checklist

Use this checklist when qualifying research-material vendors. Print or save as PDF for your procurement file. Research use only — not a legal certification.

Supplier identity

  • Legal / trade name is clearly stated on the site and invoices
  • Physical or registered business location is disclosed when required for institutional purchasing
  • Primary research-support contact channel is published
  • Ownership or brand relationship claims are consistent across channels

Batch-number requirements

  • Unique lot / batch number appears on labels and paperwork
  • Lot identifiers can be matched to purchase records
  • Public or portal lookup exists for batch documentation
  • Retest or re-evaluation guidance is stated when applicable

COA completeness

  • Lot-linked Certificate of Analysis or equivalent summary is available
  • Analysis or release date is present
  • Certificate status is honest when framework / pending
  • Document revision or version context is understandable

Identity-testing documentation

  • Identity method is named (not only asserted)
  • Identity results are lot-specific when claimed
  • Limitations of the method are not overstated

Purity-testing documentation

  • Purity method is named
  • Lot-specific purity results are disclosed when claimed
  • Units and reporting basis are clear enough for laboratory review

Storage information

  • Recommended storage conditions are stated for the material form
  • Temperature-sensitive handling is described when applicable
  • Stability / retest framing does not invent unsupported shelf claims

Packaging records

  • Packaging is suitable for material form and transit conditions
  • Seal / integrity expectations are described
  • Label content matches the lot documentation language

Shipping records

  • Cold-chain or special handling is described when required
  • Transit documentation can be retained with the purchase file
  • Backorder and delay communication is clear

Contact and support standards

  • Documentation questions receive timely, technical answers
  • Support channel is suitable for laboratory procurement (not medical advice)
  • Escalation path exists for missing lot paperwork

Supplier warning signs

  • Human-use, dosing, or therapeutic marketing language appears on commercial pages
  • Fabricated reviews, ratings, or accreditation seals are present
  • COAs cannot be matched to a specific lot
  • Identity or purity methods are unnamed when results are claimed
  • RUO boundaries are missing or contradicted by lifestyle positioning

This checklist is an educational procurement aid for research organizations. Completing it does not certify a supplier, confer accreditation, or authorize human or veterinary use of any material. See the Research Use Only policy.