Verifying material claims on supplier samples

“Same material” can mean the same broad family while grade, treatment, or recycled content differs. In the sample plan, state the exact material requirement that matters to the product and the evidence needed to support it.

Match documents to the item

Ask for the material grade, manufacturer or source where relevant, batch reference, and applicable test or certificate. Check that the document covers the sample's product ID and revision. If the material claim affects a regulated use or a customer promise, obtain product-specific review for the destination market. A generic quality-management certificate does not establish a material's composition.

Keep a traceable decision

Where visual inspection cannot verify the claim, use an appropriate test or qualified specialist. Record the result, laboratory or method, and any limitation. If a substitute is proposed, approve it as a separate revision with its own evidence. Retain the sample and material record together so production can be checked against the approved basis.

Worked material evidence

A supplier sends sample M-4 with a sheet claiming polymer grade P. Enter M-4 and the drawing revision in the sample review tool; put the batch reference and document ID in notes. Mark material “Not checked” until the document is matched to this sample or an agreed test is complete. Common error: marking “Conforms” from a generic quality certificate that names neither grade P nor M-4. If grade Q is proposed instead, require a new specification revision and evidence review.

Source context: ISO — ISO 9001 quality management systems supports this limited point: ISO 9001 specifies quality-management-system requirements, not a product-specific inspection result. The buyer procedure above is Suppliers Help editorial guidance. Source checked 2026-09-27.