Sourcing
China sourcing checklist
PDFExcel
A step-by-step checklist for sourcing from China, from finding suppliers to goods arriving in the UK.
View template: China sourcing checklist
Supplier audit checklist
A structured checklist for assessing a new or existing supplier on site, from legal status to labour standards.
A supplier audit checks that a factory or service provider is who they say they are and can deliver what they promise. It is most valuable before you place a first order, and again periodically for suppliers that are critical to your business.
This checklist covers the areas a buyer should verify: business registration, quality management, production capacity, labour and health and safety standards, environmental controls and subcontracting. Each item has space for a rating and evidence.
Free to download. Available as PDF and Excel.
Supplier audit checklist
What's included
- Company and legal verification section
- Quality management system checks
- Production capacity and equipment review
- Labour standards, working hours and health and safety
- Environmental and waste controls
- Subcontracting and traceability questions
- Scoring summary and corrective action log
How to use this template
- Send the supplier a short pre-audit questionnaire and request key documents.
- Check business registration and licences before the visit.
- Work through each section on site, recording evidence and photographs.
- Rate each item and note any serious findings straight away.
- Agree corrective actions and dates with the supplier before leaving.
- Follow up on actions and repeat the audit at a set interval.
Frequently asked questions
A supplier audit assesses the supplier as a business: its systems, capacity and standards. A quality inspection checks a specific batch of goods against the specification before shipment.
A remote audit using video and document review can screen suppliers, but it is easier to hide problems remotely. For important suppliers, an on-site visit by you or an independent audit partner is more reliable.
This checklist includes labour standards questions such as working hours, wages, document retention and freedom of movement. These help identify warning signs, but a dedicated ethical audit goes further.
Need help putting this into practice?
Every engagement is managed by our founder, starting with objectives agreed with you. Book an introductory call to see how our supplier audit and due diligence work could help.
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