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Supplier Quality Agreement Template
Set clear product quality expectations, testing rules, and corrective actions with this Supplier Quality Agreement Template.
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Supplier Quality Agreement Template
This Supplier Quality Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of [Effective Date] by and between:
Buyer: [Buyer Legal Name], with an address at [Address] (“Buyer”).
Supplier: [Supplier Legal Name], with an address at [Address] (“Supplier”).
Buyer and Supplier may be referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
1. Purpose and Scope
1.1 Purpose. This Agreement defines quality requirements for products supplied by Supplier to Buyer (the “Products”).
1.2 Relationship to Other Documents. This Agreement supplements: ☐ Master Supply Agreement dated [Date] ☐ Purchase Orders ☐ Other: [Documents].
1.3 Order of Precedence. In case of conflict: ☐ This Agreement controls for quality matters ☐ Other: [Rule].
2. Quality Management System
2.1 QMS Requirement. Supplier will maintain a quality management system appropriate to the Products.
2.2 Standards (Optional). Supplier certifications/standards: ☐ ISO 9001 ☐ IATF 16949 ☐ AS9100 ☐ ISO 13485 ☐ Other: [Standard].
2.3 Training. Supplier will ensure personnel are trained and competent for assigned work.
3. Specifications and Acceptance Criteria
3.1 Specifications. Products must meet: drawings, specifications, BOMs, and requirements provided by Buyer (Exhibit A or PO).
3.2 Acceptance Criteria. Acceptance criteria include: [Performance, tolerances, cosmetic standards, packaging].
3.3 Samples and First Article (Optional). ☐ Required ☐ Not required. If required: [FAI/PPAP requirements].
4. Inspection and Testing
4.1 Supplier Inspections. Supplier will conduct inspections and tests necessary to confirm conformance.
4.2 Certificates (Optional). Supplier will provide: ☐ Certificate of Conformance (CoC) ☐ Test reports ☐ Material certs with each shipment (or upon request).
4.3 Buyer Receiving Inspection. Buyer may inspect Products within [__] days after receipt.
4.4 Nonconforming Detection. Supplier will implement controls to prevent shipment of nonconforming Products.
5. Traceability and Records
5.1 Lot Traceability. Supplier will maintain traceability by: lot/batch/serial number, as applicable.
5.2 Records Retention. Supplier will retain quality records for [__] years (or longer if required by law/industry).
5.3 Document Control. Supplier will control revisions and ensure current specs are used.
6. Packaging, Handling, and Shipping
6.1 Packaging Requirements. Supplier will package Products to prevent damage and comply with: [Packaging spec].
6.2 Labeling. Labels must include: [Part number, lot, quantity, date, country of origin].
6.3 Special Handling (Optional). [Temperature control, ESD, hazardous materials].
6.4 Shipping Notifications (Optional). Advanced shipping notice: ☐ Required ☐ Not required.
7. Change Control
7.1 Notice and Approval. Supplier must provide written notice and obtain Buyer approval before changes to:
Materials or components
Manufacturing process, tooling, or equipment
Manufacturing location
Key suppliers/sub-suppliers
Software/firmware (if applicable)
Packaging/labeling affecting form/fit/function
7.2 Change Request Contents. Change request must include: reason, risk assessment, validation plan, and proposed effective date.
7.3 Emergency Changes. Emergency changes allowed only with prompt notice and documented approval.
8. Nonconforming Products and CAPA
8.1 Notification. Supplier must notify Buyer within [] hours/days of discovering a nonconformance affecting shipped Products.
8.2 Containment. Supplier will implement containment actions immediately.
8.3 Corrective Action (CAPA). Supplier will provide a corrective action report within [] days, including root cause and prevention plan.
8.4 Returns and Costs. Costs of nonconformance handled as: ☐ Supplier responsible ☐ Shared per: [Rule].
8.5 Deviation/Concession (Optional). Temporary deviations require Buyer written approval before shipment.
9. Audits and Access
9.1 Audit Rights. Buyer may audit Supplier’s facilities, processes, and records with [] days’ notice, no more than [] times per year (unless serious issues arise).
9.2 Regulatory Audits (Optional). Supplier will support regulatory/customer audits if applicable.
9.3 Access. Supplier will provide reasonable access to relevant areas and documents.
10. Sub-Suppliers
10.1 Flow-Down Requirements. Supplier will flow down applicable requirements to sub-suppliers.
10.2 Responsibility. Supplier remains responsible for sub-supplier performance and quality.
11. Warranty, Liability, and Recall Cooperation
11.1 Warranty. Supplier warrants Products conform to specs and are free from defects for [] months from delivery (or as stated in the supply agreement).
11.2 Recall/Field Action. Supplier will cooperate with recalls or field actions and provide traceability data and support.
11.3 Insurance (Optional). Supplier will maintain product liability insurance of $[].
12. Confidentiality
12.1 Confidential Information. Buyer’s specs, testing methods, and data are confidential.
12.2 Permitted Disclosure. Disclosure is allowed to sub-suppliers only as needed and under confidentiality obligations.
13. Term and Termination
13.1 Term. This Agreement begins on the Effective Date and continues while Supplier supplies Products to Buyer, unless terminated.
13.2 Termination. Either Party may terminate with [__] days’ written notice, subject to obligations for open orders and quality issues.
14. Miscellaneous
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Country].
14.2 Notices. Notices must be sent to the addresses above.
14.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and referenced documents are the entire agreement regarding quality requirements.
14.4 Amendments. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
14.5 Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remains effective.
14.6 Electronic Signatures. Electronic signatures are effective.
Signatures
By signing below, the Parties agree to this Supplier Quality Agreement as of the Effective Date.
Buyer: [Buyer Legal Name]
Authorized Signatory: [Name]
Title/Role: [Title]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
Supplier: [Supplier Legal Name]
Authorized Signatory: [Name]
Title/Role: [Title]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
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Supplier Quality Agreement Template
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For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
SUPPLIER QUALITY AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a supplier quality agreement?
A Supplier Quality Agreement (SQA) is a contract between a buyer and a supplier that defines quality requirements for goods or components. It sets standards for manufacturing, inspections, documentation, traceability, nonconforming products, and corrective actions. It often works alongside a master supply agreement and purchase orders.
When should you use a supplier quality agreement?
Use it when product quality is critical or regulated — such as manufacturing, medical devices, food, aerospace, automotive, electronics, or any supply chain where defects can cause safety issues, recalls, or major financial loss.
How does an SQA interact with a master supply agreement?
The master supply agreement usually covers commercial terms like pricing, delivery, and liability. The SQA covers quality and compliance requirements. This template includes a conflicts clause so you can define which document controls if terms differ.
What should be included in a supplier quality agreement?
Common sections include: specifications and acceptance criteria, quality management system requirements (e.g., ISO 9001), inspection/testing, lot traceability, records retention, change control, audits, handling nonconformances, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), supplier sub-tier controls, and recall cooperation.
What is change control and why is it important?
Change control means the supplier must notify and get approval before making changes that could affect quality — such as materials, processes, tooling, manufacturing site, software/firmware, or sub-suppliers. It prevents surprises that cause defects or compliance problems.
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