Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Also known as: NDA
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract in which parties agree to keep specified confidential information private and not disclose it to others.
NDAs are common early in a sourcing relationship, when a buyer and potential supplier need to share sensitive details — specifications, pricing, volumes or plans — before committing to a full contract. The agreement defines what counts as confidential, how it may be used, how long the duty lasts, and the remedies if information is leaked.
An NDA can be one-way, protecting a single party's information, or mutual, where both sides disclose. Buyers use them to protect commercial and technical data during negotiations, tenders and due diligence. A clear, proportionate NDA builds enough trust to exchange information openly without exposing either party to unnecessary risk.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a non-disclosure agreement?
- A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract in which parties agree to keep specified confidential information private and not disclose it to third parties.
- When is an NDA used in procurement?
- Typically early in sourcing — during negotiations, tenders or due diligence — when a buyer and supplier need to share sensitive specifications, pricing or plans before a full contract exists.
Related terms
Terms and Conditions (T&Cs)
Terms and conditions (T&Cs) are the clauses that govern the rights and obligations of the parties in a purchase or supply agreement.
Read definitionDue Diligence
Due diligence is the process of investigating a supplier's legitimacy, capability and risk before entering into a business relationship.
Read definitionLetter of Intent (LOI)
A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that declares one party's intention to enter into a contract or transaction with another, often outlining key terms before the final agreement.
Read definitionMemorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a document that records the shared intentions of two or more parties to work together, usually before a binding contract is signed.
Read definitionGo deeper
Explore related across the knowledge graph
Put procurement theory into practice
Talk to our team about wholesale pricing, credit terms, sourcing support and delivery across Peninsular Malaysia — or explore the marketplace built for Malaysian enterprises.
Prefer to talk to a real person?
Our team replies fast on WhatsApp and email — no forms, no waiting.

