| Product Composition | 10% | The supplier should clearly state the core material, surface layer, backing layer, adhesives, additives, and nominal thickness. Material descriptions should remain consistent across the quotation, technical sheet, and packaging. | Technical data sheet, bill of materials, sample cross-section, safety data sheets where applicable. | Compare the physical sample with the declared structure and verify thickness at several points using a calibrated gauge. | High |
| Dimensional Accuracy | 10% | Length, width, thickness, squareness, flatness, and joint tolerances should be defined in the product specification rather than described only as “standard.” | Dimension-tolerance sheet, inspection standard, pre-shipment inspection report. | Measure multiple pieces from different cartons and record the maximum deviation from the approved specification. | High |
| Formaldehyde and VOC Emissions | 12% | For products marketed under Chinese indoor-air requirements, GB 18580-2017 uses an E1 formaldehyde emission limit of ≤0.124 mg/m³ under its specified chamber test method. Lower-emission classifications or project requirements may apply. | Recent laboratory report identifying the exact product construction, test method, sample date, and laboratory details. | Confirm that the report covers the supplied panel, not only a raw board or unrelated product family. Check the laboratory’s accreditation scope. | Critical |
| Fire Performance | 15% | Fire performance depends on the complete panel system, including core, finish, joints, and installation. ASTM E84 Class A corresponds to a flame-spread index of 0–25 and a smoke-developed index of 0–450 when tested under that method. | Full-panel fire-test report, classification certificate where applicable, installation details, and test configuration. | Match the tested thickness, coating, substrate, joint treatment, and installation method to the proposed project specification. | Critical |
| Moisture and Water Resistance | 10% | The supplier should define whether the panel is suitable for dry rooms, humid rooms, splash zones, or exterior use. No generic “waterproof” claim should replace a stated test method and exposure limit. | Water-absorption, dimensional-stability, humidity-resistance, or relevant project-specific test report. | Review edge sealing, backing protection, installation joints, and the warranty exclusions for standing water or high humidity. | High |
| Mechanical Durability | 8% | Performance should be assessed using tests relevant to the intended use, such as surface abrasion, impact, scratch, adhesion, or pull-off resistance. The correct test depends on the panel type and application. | Product-specific durability test reports, coating-adhesion results, maintenance instructions. | Inspect corners, decorative layers, edges, and locking profiles on production samples; conduct a documented sample approval before mass production. | High |
| Color and Surface Consistency | 7% | Color, gloss, texture, pattern direction, and allowable batch variation should be defined through an approved master sample or measurable color-control process. | Approved color sample, color-tolerance policy, batch inspection photos, surface-finish specification. | Compare panels under consistent lighting and inspect samples from separate production batches for shade and texture variation. | Medium |
| Quality Management | 8% | A documented incoming-material, in-process, and final-inspection system should exist. ISO 9001 certification can support process verification, but it does not replace product testing. | Quality manual summary, inspection checklist, corrective-action records, ISO 9001 certificate if claimed. | Verify certificate validity and scope through the issuing certification body or an accepted certification database. | High |
| Production Capacity and Lead Time | 8% | The supplier should provide realistic capacity, minimum order quantity, sampling lead time, mass-production lead time, and peak-season planning assumptions. | Capacity statement, production schedule, sample timeline, purchase-order milestone plan. | Use a pilot order to compare promised and actual lead times; confirm that capacity applies to the required finish and specification. | High |
| Export Packaging and Logistics | 5% | Packaging should protect against edge damage, abrasion, moisture, and carton compression during multimodal transport. Carton marks and packing lists should support traceability. | Packing specification, carton dimensions, loading plan, shipping marks, moisture-protection details. | Approve a packed sample or inspect loading photographs; verify carton quantity, net weight, gross weight, and pallet stability. | Medium |
| Traceability and After-Sales Support | 7% | Each production batch should be traceable to raw materials, production date, inspection results, and shipment records. Warranty terms should identify exclusions and remedies. | Batch-coding example, inspection records, warranty terms, complaint-response procedure. | Ask the supplier to trace a sample carton back to its production and inspection records before placing a large order. | High |