Start with the information your purchasing and quality teams need to evaluate a product. The review should cover the proposed producer, a written specification, the sample and the documents relevant to your destination market.
Know the producer. For the proposed product, review the manufacturing entity and check the holder, scope and validity of any certificate being considered.
Agree the product specification. Depending on the form, discuss size or mesh, ingredients, moisture, colour, flavour, texture and relevant testing requirements. Record the agreed criteria in writing.
Evaluate the sample. Agree what the sample needs to demonstrate and how your team will assess it. Before shipment, review the agreed batch information and any inspection or testing arrangements.
Plan packaging and documents together. Discuss pack size, materials, labelling, storage instructions and the documents needed by your buyer and importer. Requirements depend on the product and destination.
Keep changes clear. Product substitutions, specification changes and commercial terms should be agreed in writing before they affect the order.