| Product fit and intended use | Confirm whether the adhesive is designed for the intended application, such as indoor mounting, trim, or construction. Check compatible substrates and surfaces that require special preparation. | Technical Data Sheet (TDS), application instructions, and a written substrate compatibility list. | Compare the supplier’s recommended use with your actual materials, surface finish, installation conditions, and expected service environment. |
| Performance claims | Review stated bonding strength, initial tack, curing time, and temperature or moisture limitations. These properties vary by formulation, substrate, and test conditions. | TDS with test methods and conditions; relevant test reports for the specific product grade. | Ask how each claimed value was measured. Do not compare numbers unless the test method, substrate, and curing conditions are comparable. |
| Sample and application testing | Check whether samples can be supplied for trials and whether the supplier can provide clear guidance on surface preparation, application amount, positioning, and cure time. | Sample labels, application guide, and written answers to technical questions. | Test on your own materials and in realistic conditions before approving a production order. Record results and curing time. |
| Quality control and consistency | Ask how incoming materials, production batches, and finished products are inspected, and how nonconforming batches are handled. | Quality-control process, batch traceability details, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) if available for the product. | Check whether product and batch identification can be traced from packaging to production records. Confirm which properties are checked for each batch. |
| Safety documentation | Review handling, storage, first-aid, and disposal information. Applicable requirements depend on the product composition and destination market. | Current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product-specific technical documentation in a language suitable for the intended market. | Check that the documents identify the same product and grade being quoted, and ask the supplier to clarify any missing or inconsistent information. |
| Destination-market compliance | Determine which chemical, labeling, and import obligations apply in the buyer’s destination market. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and formulation. | Relevant declarations, test reports, and labeling information; request documents that apply to the specific product and market. | Verify documents with your importer, compliance adviser, or testing provider. Do not treat a general certificate as proof of compliance with every market requirement. |
| Packaging and shelf life | Check package material and size, closure integrity, storage conditions, shelf life, and whether packaging suits the intended retail or industrial use. | Packaging specifications, storage instructions, shelf-life information, and sample packaging where relevant. | Confirm that the proposed label and packaging meet destination-market and customer requirements before mass production. |
| Export and shipping readiness | Confirm export experience, shipment documentation, packaging for transport, and any classification or carrier requirements applicable to the specific formulation and route. | A proposed document list, packing details, and confirmation of the shipping arrangements and responsibilities. | Have the carrier or freight forwarder verify transport requirements before shipment; do not assume all adhesives have the same shipping classification. |
| Customization and communication | Assess the supplier’s ability to discuss viscosity, packaging, labeling, or other requested changes, and to explain technical limitations clearly. | Written specifications, revision history, and a confirmed process for approving samples and artwork. | Use a written specification and approval record to reduce ambiguity between samples, production goods, and repeat orders. |
| Commercial terms and supplier verification | Compare quoted price, minimum order quantity, lead time, payment terms, and claims or replacement procedures. Verify the supplier’s legal identity and stated business scope. | Formal quotation, sales contract, business registration information, and agreed quality or claims terms. | Treat commercial terms as quote-specific. Match the contracting entity, payment beneficiary, product specification, and order documents before payment. |