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Quality control and logistics
Our staff and long-term partners across Asia have the experience and connections to ensure that you have no unpleasant “surprises”.
AQL (ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LIMIT)
Asia Link Source adopts SGS AQL 2.50, depending on customers’ requirements.
The standard definition of the AQL is "the maximum defective percent (or the maximum number of defects per hundred units) that, for purpose of sampling inspection, can be considered satisfactory as a process average".
First, defects are classified as either critical, major and minor. Second, an AQL sampling size is chosen appropriate to the product and in accordance with the client’s requirements. This will usually be level II for consumer goods.
According to the number of defects found for each defect criteria under the AQL standard, Asia Link Source will report to the buyer for their final consideration and advise accordingly.
The most common outcome of a decision to reject a shipment would be to negotiate with the supplier. A buyer’s options are usually to have products re-manufactured from the start, revised products or packaging produced, defective units removed, or to purchase the whole batch (including defective products) at a reduced price.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Pre-production inspections check that all components, production equipment and packaging materials are correct to identify and address any potential problems before production starts.
Pre-production sampling allows all parties to have a common understanding of final product quality.
PRODUCTION INSPECTION
A production inspection is conducted when approximately 50% of the total order has been manufactured. The bulk production products are inspected thoroughly to make sure that the product remains up to the required standard.
This is a critical mid-stage for quality control.
Depending on the product and the client’s requirements, the following are inspected:
- The quantity produced (semi-finished or finished and packed)
- Visual appearance (cosmetic check)
- Product specifications (size, dimensions, colors, materials, etc.)
- Categorization of defects according to AQL standards
- Labeling and marking
- Packing method and packaging
- Follow up on production lead times
PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION
A pre-shipment inspection examines the same criteria as in the production inspection. The main difference is that this inspection is carried out when approximately 80% of the order has been produced. The aim is to verify that production is consistently meeting all the desired quality targets throughout the order’s volume.
CONTAINER LOADING INSPECTION
A container loading inspection ensures the final details of the product, as well as packaging and labeling, are all correct. Furthermore, it verifies that the correct quantity is securely loaded onto your container before you make the final payment.