The supplier sent a related-grade SDS
Do not file it against the original line. Ask for the SDS that names the quoted concentration and code, or open a second line for the alternate.
Buyer checklist
Biocide suppliers reviewed against a written gate list, not a brochure
Use this page before you contact biocide suppliers. It is a purchase-decision worksheet for specification, documents, packaging, and approvals. It is not an ESG statement, a carbon program, or a claim that any supplier is already audited.
Walk the list with procurement, formulation, quality, and EHS. Mark each gate as known, open, or not applicable. A supplier who answers a different active, concentration, or pack should be recorded as an alternate line, not merged into the original request.
Gates before inquiry
Complete these checks so supplier answers can be compared
Identity lock
Write the chemical name, CAS number if known, and whether diesel biocide, diesel fuel biocide, or another configuration is intended. If identity is unknown, keep the cell open instead of inventing a code.
Assay and ionic type
Record requested active content, assay method, and ionic type. If the process also watches pH, density, viscosity, or flash point, add those limits as confirmation items.
Quantity and pack
State kilograms, liters, drums, IBCs or another unambiguous unit, plus whether the amount is a sample, trial, forecast, or firm need. Note pallet, label, and receiving limits.
Exact-product files
List SDS, TDS, and CoA as required attachments for the quoted code. Add TSCA, REACH, GMP, ISO, DOT, or IMDG only as questions. None of those marks become site credentials.
Sample purpose
Define what a sample must show: identity, appearance, assay, viscosity, compatibility, or pack. Name the reviewer and the pass or fail rule outside the quotation.
Budget preference
Optional target budget should name currency and per-unit or whole-order basis. High-end, mid-range, budget, or undecided describes trade-offs. It does not grade suppliers.
Approval owners
Name who can accept a substitute active, a different pack, or a longer timing window. Unowned decisions should stay open on the sheet.
Checklist questions
Stop items that usually appear after the first supplier reply
The CoA is a blank template
Ask which assay, moisture, density, or other fields will be completed for the shipment. A template without field names is not lot evidence.
Transport class was omitted
Request UN number, packing group, and flash point for the packed concentration. Do not infer class from a different strength.
Price arrived before scope
Hold unit-price ranking until product basis, currency, quantity, pack contents, incoterm, and exclusions match. No lowest-price statement is published here.