QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION (QC)
What is Quality Control Inspection?
Quality Control (QC) refers to a systematic inspection process to ensure that products meet customer requirements, industry standards, or regulations of the importing country.
The Role of Quality Control (QC)
Prevent Defects: Identify and correct issues during production to reduce the risk of returns and claims.
Compliance: Meet quality standards of target markets (e.g., CE marking in the EU, FDA in the U.S., ISO certification).
Customer Trust: Enhance brand reputation and market competitiveness through consistent quality.
Common Stages and Focus Areas of QC Inspection
Pre-Production Inspection (PPI)
When it’s used: Before mass production begins, for initial sample approval.
Focus areas:
Raw material quality (e.g., material certificates, supplier qualifications).
Conformity to design drawings and samples (dimensions, color, functionality).
Verification of production equipment and processes.
During Production Inspection (DPI)
When it’s used: When 20%–50% of production is completed.
Focus areas:
Quality control on the production line (e.g., key process parameters).
Defect rate in semi-finished products (sampling inspection).
Correcting issues identified earlier (e.g., process adjustments).
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)
When it’s used: After production and packaging are complete, before shipment.
Focus areas:
Finished product appearance, function, and safety (full or sampling inspection).
Packaging compliance (labels, shipping marks, protective measures).
Quantity alignment with the order (avoiding under/over shipment).
Loading Supervision
When it’s used: For high-value or fragile goods (e.g., precision instruments, luxury items).
Focus areas:
Supervising container loading (moisture-proof, shock-proof measures).
Verifying consistency between goods and documents (e.g., batch numbers, case numbers).
Common QC Standards and Methods
1. Internationally Recognized Standards
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level):
Based on ISO 2859, it determines whether a batch passes based on sample size and defect level (e.g., AQL 1.0 allows 1% major defects).Industry Standards:
Food: HACCP, FDA
Electronics: RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Textiles: OEKO-TEX® (eco-friendly certification)
2. Inspection Methods
100% Inspection: Used for high-value, low-volume, or high-risk products.
Sampling Inspection:
Random sampling: Selecting samples based on statistical methods (e.g., AQL tables).
Stratified sampling: Sampling from different batches or production lines separately.
Functional Testing: Simulating real-world usage to test performance (e.g., voltage withstand test for electrical devices).
QC Inspection Process
Define inspection standards: Confirm acceptance criteria with the client (e.g., AQL level, special testing requirements).
Choose an inspection body: Hire a third party (e.g., SGS, BV, Intertek) or set up an in-house QC team.
On-site execution:
Review documents (order, specifications, BOM).
Sample according to standards and record defects (categorized as critical, major, minor).
Result determination:
Pass: Issue an Inspection Report or Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Fail: Recommend corrective actions or withhold shipment.
Follow-up and improvement: Work with suppliers on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Common Issues and Solutions
Major defects found during sampling: Halt production, trace the root cause (e.g., mold damage, process error), and rework or scrap defective products.
Last-minute changes to client standards: Update the inspection plan and sign a supplementary agreement to avoid disputes.
Uncooperative suppliers: Enforce contract terms (e.g., penalties, termination) or switch to backup suppliers.
Customs questions the inspection report: Provide third-party accreditation proof and request re-inspection or supplementary documents (e.g., lab test reports) if needed.
Important Notes on QC Inspection
Document completeness: Keep inspection records, test reports, and communication emails as evidence for disputes.
Cost balance: Adjust inspection frequency based on product risk level (e.g., increase DPI for high-risk products).
Digital tools: Use QC management software (e.g., QMS) to track defect trends and optimize production processes.
We provide tailored QC services to support your shipping needs. Feel free to consult our sales team for more information!