| Product specification | Membrane format, dimensions, nominal or absolute rating, and intended application | Compare candidates against the same written specification; do not treat nominal and absolute ratings as equivalent. | Current technical data sheet, drawing, and written confirmation of the supplied configuration |
| Performance and test methods | Relevant performance results, test conditions, and acceptance limits for the intended use | Compare results only when test methods, sample preparation, and operating conditions are comparable. | Test reports identifying methods, conditions, sample references, and report dates |
| Quality management | Quality-system scope, certificate validity, and whether the certified scope covers the relevant manufacturing activity | Verify the certificate issuer, validity, site, and scope independently. ISO 9001 is a quality-management-system standard; it is not product certification. | Current certificate and, where appropriate, audit or quality-system documentation |
| Lot traceability and inspection | Lot or batch identification, inspection plan, release criteria, and nonconformance process | Confirm that delivered goods can be traced to production and inspection records, and agree acceptance criteria before ordering. | Sample certificate of analysis or inspection report, traceability example, and written complaint procedure |
| Export documentation | Ability to prepare documents required for the shipment and destination | Confirm requirements with the importer, customs broker, and destination authorities; document needs vary by product and market. | Draft commercial invoice, packing list, transport-document details, and any origin or product documents applicable to the shipment |
| Export experience | Relevant destination markets, shipment frequency, and experience with comparable products | Assess experience against your destination and product type; country lists alone do not establish shipment performance. | Redacted shipment records or references, where available and permitted |
| Delivery reliability | Quoted lead time, actual dispatch dates, and order-completion history | Calculate on-time dispatch rate as on-time dispatches ÷ total dispatches × 100 for an agreed review period. | Historical schedule data with the review period and definition of “on time” stated |
| Packaging and transport protection | Packaging configuration, product protection needs, labeling, and storage conditions | Check suitability for the product and shipping route; agree handling and storage instructions before dispatch. | Packaging specification, label sample, and written storage and handling guidance |
| Regulatory and end-use fit | Declarations or certifications specifically required for the intended end use and destination | Identify applicable requirements with the responsible regulatory or compliance specialist; requirements are application- and market-dependent. | Relevant declarations, test reports, and certificates with matching product and site scope |
| Commercial and after-sales support | Quotation validity, minimum order quantity, payment terms, warranty terms, and response process | Compare written terms and total landed cost; clarify responsibility for freight, insurance, duties, and claims. | Formal quotation, sales terms, warranty policy, and named contact for technical and quality issues |
| Sample and qualification process | Sample availability, evaluation plan, acceptance criteria, and approval process | Run a documented evaluation using agreed methods before committing to routine supply. | Sample identification, evaluation protocol, results, and signed-off product specification |