What is the purpose of the Quality Status List (QSL)?

The Quality Status List (QSL) serves the essential purpose of assessing material quality within the DoD Shelf-Life Program. Its primary function is to ensure that all materials and supplies meet the established quality standards before they are utilized or distributed. By evaluating the quality of materials, the QSL helps maintain the integrity of vital supplies, ensuring that only items that meet the required specifications are in circulation.

This assessment is crucial, especially for materials that have a limited shelf life, as utilizing inferior or expired materials can lead to significant consequences in operational readiness and safety. The QSL thereby provides a reliable tool for decision-makers to quickly identify the quality status of items in the inventory, ensuring that they can make informed choices about which materials to use or procure, thereby supporting effective supply chain management.