| Product specifications and application fit | 25% | Gelatin source (such as bovine, porcine, or fish), grade, Bloom strength, viscosity, particle size, moisture, ash, pH, color, and odor. | Current technical data sheet, product specification, and a sample from the intended product lot. | Compare the offered values with your written requirements and end use. Bloom strength and other specification ranges vary by application; do not treat one range as suitable for every product. |
| Food safety and regulatory documentation | 20% | Applicable food-grade requirements, hazard controls, allergen and animal-origin information, and any requirements for the destination market. | Relevant product and facility documents, food-safety system certificates, and test reports where applicable. Confirm certificate scope, issuing body, and validity. | Verify that documentation applies to the actual manufacturing site and product. A management-system certificate does not replace product-specific compliance checks or importing-country requirements. |
| Traceability and raw-material controls | 15% | Raw-material origin, animal-species identification, lot coding, supplier controls, and the ability to trace finished goods back through production records. | Written traceability procedure, example lot records, and details of how a product recall or traceability request is handled. | Check that lot numbers on samples, certificates of analysis, and shipment documents can be linked consistently. Confirm source restrictions required for your market. |
| Manufacturing capability and process control | 15% | Whether the supplier manufactures the product or trades it, production-site details, process controls, and capacity for the required grade and order size. | Facility profile, manufacturing-site information, production lead-time estimates, and a clear explanation of any outsourced steps. | Distinguish the seller from the actual manufacturer. Confirm the production site and product specification before placing a bulk order. |
| Batch consistency and quality assurance | 10% | How each batch is tested, how nonconforming product is managed, and whether routine results match the agreed specification. | Representative certificates of analysis from multiple recent lots, test methods, and the written procedure for handling out-of-specification results. | Compare results across lots rather than relying on a single sample. Agree in writing on acceptance limits, sampling, and any independent testing before shipment. |
| Packaging, shipping, and commercial terms | 10% | Food-contact packaging suitability, bag size, palletization, storage conditions, shelf-life information, lead time, minimum order quantity, and delivery terms. | Packaging specification, draft shipping documents, quotation with Incoterms, and written confirmation of order quantity and delivery schedule. | Ensure packaging and transport conditions suit the product and destination. Compare total landed cost and delivery terms, not only the quoted unit price. |
| Communication and after-sales support | 5% | Response quality, document accuracy, sample coordination, complaint handling, and availability of technical support. | Written answers to specification questions, sample arrangements, and a documented complaint or corrective-action process. | Assess whether answers are prompt, consistent, and specific. Confirm who will handle quality issues after delivery. |