Which of the following is NOT a commercial criterion considered in sourcing?

The aspect that is not typically classified as a commercial criterion in sourcing is warranty terms. While warranty terms do play an important role in procurement decisions, they are more related to terms of trade and risk management than to the strategic or commercial evaluation of a supplier’s overall capabilities and impact.

In sourcing activities, commercial criteria often encompass broader concepts that affect the overall business relationship and alignment, such as cultural fit, sustainability, and ethical standards. Cultural fit pertains to how well a supplier aligns with the values and operational style of the purchasing organization, which can significantly influence partnership effectiveness. Sustainability refers to the supplier's practices in terms of environmental impact and social responsibility, which is increasingly critical in modern procurement strategies. Ethical standards ensure that suppliers operate in a manner that is morally sound and aligns with the purchasing organization’s integrity and corporate social responsibility commitments.

In this context, warranty terms stand apart as more of a contract-specific contingency rather than an overarching criterion that guides the decision-making process for sourcing partnerships.