Start with the precise claim
“Is this supplier genuine?” combines several questions. Legal existence, operating capacity, product origin, certification and financial reliability each require different evidence. Define the claim before selecting the research source.
Distinguish identity from capability
A registry entry can support the existence of a legal entity and disclose certain filed particulars. It does not demonstrate that the entity currently manufactures a specified product, owns the factory shown in a photograph or can deliver a promised volume.
Read certificates in context
Review the named entity, issuing body, scope, site and validity information. Where a verification channel exists, use it to check the certificate details. Even an authentic certificate is evidence only within its stated scope.
Treat sourcing as a traceability question
A supplier statement or website description is not a complete chain of evidence. Product-specific bills of materials, purchase records, production records and shipment documentation may be needed. Whether those records are sufficient depends on the purpose of the verification and specialist requirements.
Produce a gap list before commissioning site work
A focused gap list explains which claims remain unresolved, the records needed, who can provide them and what a physical visit would need to establish. If access is unavailable, that limitation belongs in the conclusion.