Approved Supplier List (ASL)
A vetted register of suppliers that have been evaluated and approved to provide goods or services to an organization, ensuring compliance with quality, financial, and regulatory standards.
An Approved Supplier List (ASL) is a formal register maintained by procurement teams that identifies which suppliers have passed the organization's qualification process and are authorized to receive purchase orders. Suppliers typically must meet criteria around financial stability, quality certifications, insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance before being added.
For procurement teams, the ASL is a critical governance tool. It ensures that spend is directed toward vetted suppliers, reduces maverick purchasing, and supports audit trails. Most procurement software platforms — including Coupa, SAP Ariba, and Jaggaer — include ASL management as a core module, with automated workflows for onboarding, periodic re-evaluation, and deactivation.
In practice: A manufacturing company might require all direct material suppliers to hold ISO 9001 certification, carry minimum £5M product liability insurance, and pass a financial health check before being added to the ASL. Suppliers are typically reviewed annually and can be suspended if they fail to maintain standards.