This checklist is used to assess the commercial, financial, legal, and regulatory suitability of a prospective EU-based buyer before committing to supply, engaging in formal negotiations, or arranging samples and pre-shipment activity. Complete all sections and attach supporting documents where indicated.
SECTION 1 — LEGAL AND CORPORATE IDENTITY
Documents to Request:
Certificate of incorporation or Handelsregisterauszug / KvK extract or equivalent
VAT registration certificate
EORI number confirmation
Proof of registered address (not more than 3 months old)
SECTION 2 — SANCTIONS AND COMPLIANCE SCREENING
SECTION 3 — IMPORT CAPABILITY AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY
SECTION 4 — COMMERCIAL CREDIBILITY AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY
SECTION 5 — COMMERCIAL TERMS ALIGNMENT
SECTION 6 — SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRITY AND END-USE
SECTION 7 — OVERALL QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT
Notes and Observations:
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Doc 24 — EU Buyer Qualification Checklist — Neutral Template
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Is the buyer a duly incorporated legal entity in its EU country of registration?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer's company registration been verified against the official commercial register of its country? (e.g. Handelsregister / KvK / Companies House / INPI / CCIAA)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer hold a valid EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) for EU customs purposes?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer hold a valid VAT registration number in its country of establishment?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Have the buyer's directors and beneficial owners been identified and verified?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer subject to any insolvency, administration, or winding-up proceedings?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Buyer's Full Legal Name:
Country of Registration:
Company Registration Number:
EORI Number:
VAT Registration Number:
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Has the buyer been screened against the EU Consolidated Sanctions List with a clear result?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer been screened against the US OFAC SDN List with a clear result?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer been screened against the UK OFSI Consolidated List with a clear result?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer been screened against the UN Security Council Consolidated List with a clear result?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer, or any director or UBO, a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) or close associate of a PEP?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer, or any associated person, been involved in any financial crime, fraud, or corruption proceedings?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Screening Date:
Screened By:
Overall Screening Result:
Clear / Hit / False Positive
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Does the buyer have documented experience importing the relevant goods into the EU?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer aware of and able to comply with all applicable EU import regulations for the goods in question? (e.g. CE marking, REACH, EUDR, MRL, GPSR)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer have an established relationship with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in the EU?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer have the necessary import licences or sector-specific approvals required for the goods? (e.g. pharma import authorisation, food business registration, CITES permit)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer registered with the relevant EU competent authority for the sector? (e.g. food competent authority, medicines authority)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer aware of the CBAM obligations applying to any covered goods (steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, electricity) from 2026?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Key Licences / Approvals
Held (list):
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Has the buyer provided a company profile or evidence of its trading history in the relevant sector?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer provided evidence of financial standing? (e.g. audited accounts, bank reference, credit report)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has a credit check been conducted on the buyer through a recognised agency? (e.g. Dun & Bradstreet, Creditsafe, Euler Hermes)
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer have the demonstrated capacity to pay for the anticipated order volumes within the proposed payment terms?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer able to provide a Letter of Credit, bank guarantee, or other acceptable payment security if required?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer have warehousing or storage facilities appropriate to receive and hold the goods?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer have distribution infrastructure (own or third-party) to move goods to end customers within the Territory?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Annual Revenue
(approximate):
Credit Limit Offered by
Credit Agency (if checked):
Payment Method Proposed:
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Has the buyer confirmed acceptance of the proposed Incoterms for the shipment?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed the port or place of delivery and its logistics arrangements for receipt of goods?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed the required product specification, packaging, and labelling requirements?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed minimum order quantities compatible with the exporter's production minimums?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed understanding of lead times and delivery schedules?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer provided a written indication of pricing expectations that is commercially viable for the exporter?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed the currency for invoicing and payment?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Has the buyer confirmed awareness of its obligations under any applicable FTA (e.g. India-EU FTA) and its ability to claim preferential duty rates using the exporter's REX declaration or EUR.1 certificate?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Agreed Incoterms:
Agreed Currency:
Proposed Payment Terms:
Question / Requirement
Response
Evidence / Notes
Has the buyer confirmed the intended end-use of the goods?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Are there any indicators that the goods may be re-exported to a sanctioned jurisdiction or diverted from their stated end-use?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Does the buyer's stated end-use align with its business profile and sector?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Is the buyer's requested quantity proportionate to its stated business capacity and historical volumes?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Are there any unusual payment routing arrangements, third-party payment instructions, or requests to invoice a different entity from the buyer?
Yes / No
Comments / Reference
Stated End-Use:
Country of Final Destination
(if different from buyer's
country):
Assessment Area
Pass / Fail / Further Action Required
Legal and Corporate Identity
Sanctions and Compliance Screening
Import Capability and Regulatory Authority
Commercial Credibility and Financial Capacity
Commercial Terms Alignment
Supply Chain Integrity and End-Use
Overall Qualification
Decision:
Qualified / Conditionally Qualified / Not Qualified