The Procurement Glossary » Approved Supplier List (ASL)

Approved Supplier List (ASL)

Sourcing & RFx

Also known as: ASL, AVL, Approved Vendor List

Definition

A controlled list of suppliers that have been vetted and authorised to supply a business, often by category.

Explanation

The ASL enforces that only qualified, compliant suppliers receive orders. Getting onto it requires prequalification; staying on it requires ongoing performance and compliance. It is a core control against risk and maverick spend.

Example

A new vendor cannot be paid until Procurement adds it to the approved supplier list after due diligence.

Related terms

• Preferred Supplier — A supplier a business has chosen to favour for a category, usually because of negotiated pricing, reliability or a framework agreement.
• Supplier Prequalification — The process of screening suppliers against minimum requirements before inviting them to bid, to ensure only capable, compliant suppliers compete.
• Supplier Onboarding — The process of setting up a new supplier to trade — collecting details, verifying compliance and adding it to systems.
• Maverick Spend — Purchasing done outside agreed processes, contracts or preferred suppliers — 'off-contract' buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Approved Supplier List (ASL)?

A controlled list of suppliers that have been vetted and authorised to supply a business, often by category. The ASL enforces that only qualified, compliant suppliers receive orders. Getting onto it requires prequalification; staying on it requires ongoing performance and compliance. It is a core control against risk and maverick spend.

Can you give an example of Approved Supplier List (ASL)?

A new vendor cannot be paid until Procurement adds it to the approved supplier list after due diligence.

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