In short: a pre-shipment inspection means checking an order at the factory, before it leaves, on a randomly drawn sample of units. The AQL method (defined by the ISO 2859-1 standard) sets how many units to check and how many defects are acceptable. If the order fails, it can still be corrected before it ships. It is the best protection for a retailer who cannot see the goods before delivery.
Why check before shipping?
Once the goods have left, fixing a defect is difficult and costly: returns, disputes, delays. Checking at the factory lets you:
- catch defects while they can still be fixed;
- confirm that production matches the approved sample;
- avoid paying the balance for a non-compliant order.
What is AQL?
AQL stands for Acceptable Quality Limit. Rather than checking every unit (often impossible), the inspector checks a representative sample, whose size depends on the quantity ordered. For each type of defect, the method sets a maximum number of defects allowed.
Defects are usually grouped into three categories:
- critical: dangerous or in breach of regulations (in principle, none are tolerated);
- major: they make the product unsellable or non-compliant;
- minor: small flaws that do not prevent sale.
The required level is agreed with you according to your product and your market.
How an inspection works
- Check quantities and production progress.
- Randomly draw the cartons and units to inspect.
- Visual check: appearance, colours, finish, defects.
- Measurements and tests: dimensions, weight, function, strength, depending on the product.
- Packaging and labelling check: cartons, markings, barcodes.
- Comparison with the approved sample.
- Report, with photos.
How to read an inspection report
A clear report shows:
- the order and the quantity inspected;
- the AQL level applied;
- the number of defects found in each category, compared with the maximum allowed;
- the result: pass or fail;
- photos of the points checked and of any defects.
If the result is a fail, the goods do not ship: the factory corrects them, then a new inspection is carried out.
Other possible inspections
- during production: useful for large orders or complex products;
- at loading: to check the number and condition of cartons going into the container.
Frequently asked questions
Does AQL control guarantee 100% perfect units? No: it is a statistical method. It greatly reduces the risk and gives a reliable picture of the order's quality.
Who pays if the order fails? This should be set out in the order terms. As a rule, the factory corrects the goods at its own expense.
Sources and useful links
- ISO 2859-1 standard (sampling procedures): iso.org
- Our quality process: sourcetrium.com/#quality
General information, for guidance only.
At Sourcetrium, nothing ships until it passes. Every order is inspected at the factory, with a photo report. → Create my client space