| 1 | Material and construction | Confirm the base fabric, such as woven polyethylene (PE), and whether the tarp is laminated or coated. | Written construction specification and a production sample. | Material and construction affect weight, durability, handling, and suitability for the intended use. |
| 2 | Fabric weight | Specify the required mass per unit area in g/m² (gsm); choose it based on expected exposure and handling. | Product data sheet stating measured weight and permitted production tolerance. | Weight is a useful comparison point, but by itself does not establish strength or service life. |
| 3 | Dimensions and usable width | Confirm finished dimensions, dimensional tolerance, and available roll or sheet widths for the order. | Dimensioned drawing or approved sample, plus the supplier’s tolerance specification. | Clear measurements help avoid fit problems and reduce material waste in use. |
| 4 | Water resistance | Define whether the tarp must resist rain, standing water, or another specific exposure; agree on a test method and acceptance level. | Test report for the offered construction, with the method and test conditions identified. | “Waterproof” can mean different things; a defined test makes supplier offers easier to compare. |
| 5 | UV and weathering performance | For outdoor use, specify the expected exposure and request UV-stabilized material appropriate to that application. | UV-aging test results, including the method, exposure conditions, and measured property changes. | Sunlight and weather can degrade plastics; performance depends on formulation and exposure conditions. |
| 6 | Tensile and tear strength | Set minimum strength requirements for the intended direction of loading and expected handling. | Test reports identifying specimen direction, test method, and results; ISO 1421 and ISO 4674-1 are relevant methods for coated fabrics. | Strength results help assess resistance to pulling and tearing; they should be compared using the same test method. |
| 7 | Seams, hems, and eyelets | Specify seam construction, reinforced edges, eyelet material, spacing, and corner reinforcement where needed. | Construction drawing, finished sample, and agreed inspection criteria for seams and hardware. | Edges and attachment points experience concentrated loads and can affect product usability. |
| 8 | Quality control and traceability | Agree on incoming-material checks, in-process inspections, finished-product checks, and lot identification. | Quality procedures, sample inspection records, and a documented process for handling nonconforming goods. | A consistent inspection process supports repeat orders and helps resolve quality issues. |
| 9 | Compliance and documentation | Identify destination-market rules and any required chemical, labeling, or product documentation before production. | Applicable declarations, test reports, and material information for the specific product and market. | Requirements differ by product and destination; verify that documents cover the actual order rather than a similar item. |
| 10 | Order terms and export capability | Compare minimum order quantity, sample and production lead times, packaging, payment terms, and agreed shipping terms. | A written quotation and order schedule covering specifications, quantities, packaging, delivery, and responsibilities. | Transparent terms make landed-cost planning and delivery coordination more reliable. |