Definition
Debarment List
The central register of suppliers excluded from public contracts.
The debarment list is a central register, introduced under the Procurement Act 2023, of suppliers who have been formally excluded from bidding for UK public contracts because a mandatory or discretionary exclusion ground was confirmed against them. Being on the list can affect eligibility for tenders across the public sector, not just with one buyer.
How debarment works
Debarment decisions are made following an investigation process, and suppliers have rights to make representations before a final decision and to challenge listing through the courts. Once listed, other public buyers are expected to treat this as strong evidence when applying exclusion grounds to that supplier in their own procurements.
This is a significant change from PCR 2015, where each buyer assessed exclusion largely independently without a shared central record.
- Central register visible to public buyers across the public sector
- Follows an investigation and representation process before listing
- Can be time-limited, reflecting the seriousness of the underlying issue
- Supplier can challenge a debarment decision
What suppliers should do
If you believe you are at risk of investigation, take legal advice early and engage constructively with any process rather than ignoring correspondence. If a connected entity (subsidiary, parent, or former part of your group) is listed, check carefully how this might be treated in your own tender responses, since buyers may look at group and ownership connections.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the debarment list the same as being excluded from one tender?
- No. Exclusion from a single tender is a decision by one buyer for that procurement. The debarment list is a central register that can affect a supplier's eligibility across multiple public buyers and procurements, reflecting a more serious, formally investigated finding.
- Can I appeal being placed on the debarment list?
- Yes, suppliers generally have the right to make representations before listing and to challenge a debarment decision through the courts afterwards. This is general information, not legal advice, and given short time limits for challenges, specialist legal advice should be sought promptly.
- How long does debarment last?
- Debarment periods can vary depending on the seriousness of the issue and the rules in force at the time; some listings are time-limited and can be reviewed or removed once circumstances change or the period expires. Check current guidance for specific timeframes.
Related terms