Five documents to request before you shortlist a Taiwan supplier

When owners ask what to collect before comparing bids, we start with five items that reveal more than a glossy brochure.

1. Business registration extract

Confirm the legal name matches the quote header and note registration date. Newly formed entities are not automatically risky, but capacity claims need extra verification.

2. Tax compliance certificate

For domestic suppliers, a recent tax compliance letter reduces surprises during your accounts payable setup. Importers may also provide customs broker references.

3. Liability insurance certificate

Ask for coverage limits and expiry. For on-site installers or food-handling vendors, minimums should match your own insurer’s expectations.

4. Two client references in your category

Call them. Prepare three questions: delivery reliability, how they handle defects, and whether pricing stayed stable after year one.

5. Quality or safety documentation relevant to your goods

ISO certificates, HACCP plans, or equipment calibration logs — only those that apply. Blanket certification walls without scope pages are a yellow flag.

Collecting these before site visits saves everyone time. If a supplier refuses without explanation, document the refusal and weigh it in your matrix.

Need help running the checklist? Our vendor due diligence review includes structured collection and verification.