AQL inspection explained for first-time importers

AQL — acceptable quality limit — is a statistical sampling standard. It defines how many units an inspector draws from a batch and how many defects that sample may contain before the batch is rejected.

Defects are graded as critical, major and minor. A typical consumer-goods inspection uses 0 critical, 2.5 major and 4.0 minor, but the right levels depend on your product, your channel and your tolerance for returns.

The report matters as much as the result. A useful report contains quantity verification, workmanship findings, on-site function tests, packaging and carton drop tests, barcode scans and dated photography of every defect found.

Schedule the inspection when production is roughly 80% complete and packed. Too early and there is nothing to see; too late and the factory has no time to rework before the shipping window closes.