We have received numerous questions from our clients regarding product inspection, and we aim to compile them into this growing list of frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help everyone excel in their eCommerce business while ensuring they do not overpay for product quality and compliance services.
Pre-Production Inspection: Conducted before production begins to ensure that the materials and components meet specifications.
Inline Inspection: Carried out during the production process, typically between 20% and 80% completion, to catch defects early.
Final Inspection (Pre-Shipment Inspection): Performed on 100% of the produced items, with an emphasis on ensuring 80% of products are packaged correctly before shipment.
The Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) is an international standard defined in ISO 2859. It specifies the maximum number of defective items allowable in a batch of products. AQL helps businesses determine the acceptance level for quality without incurring the costs of 100% inspection.
AQL 2.0 indicates that you accept up to 2% of defective items in a batch. However, the actual acceptance number may be slightly lower when consulting the AQL table, as it assumes that your batch is part of a continuous production process.
AQL 4.0 means that you accept up to 4% of defective items. Similar to AQL 2.0, the actual number may be a bit lower when you refer to the AQL table for continuous production assumptions.
The main difference between general and special inspection levels lies in the sample sizes and the purpose of the inspection:
General Inspection Level: This level typically involves larger sample sizes and is used for checks that are often visual and non-destructive. It is suitable for assessing workmanship, appearance, and basic functionality, where a broader representation of the batch is necessary to ensure consistent quality.
Special Inspection Level: In contrast, special inspection levels are designed for specific tests that may require smaller sample sizes, often just a handful of items. These levels are employed for tests that are time-consuming or destructive—such as measuring dimensions or weights—where the differences among products in a batch are minimal.
When deciding which level to use, consider the nature of the tests, the importance of the characteristics being inspected, and whether the inspection will be destructive or not. For critical attributes that require detailed examination, special inspection levels may be more appropriate, whereas general inspection levels are better for overall quality assessments.
Yes, it is advisable to request that suppliers address critical defects immediately, as they can pose serious safety risks. Major defects should also be corrected, while minor defects may be addressed at your discretion, depending on their impact on overall product quality.
It is generally recommended to withhold payment until the inspection is completed and results are satisfactory. This ensures that you are not financially committed to products that do not meet quality standards. Usually you can negotiate the payment term with the factory.
Inspection companies typically rely on established specifications, past inspection reports, and industry standards to assess product quality..
If an approved sample cannot be provided to the inspection company or is not available at the factory during the inspection, you can supply digital photos that best represent your product. Additionally, inform them about the materials used. The inspection company can often conduct the inspection based on this information.
While not always mandatory, product inspections are highly recommended to ensure compliance with safety standards, avoid costly returns, and maintain customer satisfaction.
It can also serve as a heads-up to the factory, encouraging them to produce the product more carefully when they know you will conduct an inspection.
It is best to contact the inspection service as soon as production begins. Early engagement allows for pre-production inspections and inline checks, helping to identify potential issues before they escalate.
Fabric inspection typically involves checking for defects such as holes, stains, color inconsistencies, and width or length discrepancies. Inspectors will often use light boxes, a fabric running machine and magnifying tools to ensure a thorough examination. Four point system or ten point system are used to calculate the defects.
Product inspections do not automatically include certification for children’s products, as testing must typically be conducted in a CPSIA-certified lab to meet regulatory requirements. This process involves additional testing fees.
