One of the first things we look at, during factory audits, is the supplier’s manufacturing organizational chart. And it often points to serious operational dysfunctions. Here are the top 7 common mistakes that you don’t want to see your … [Read more...]
Quality Control Plan: Defining Expectations Before Production
Depending on the context, "quality control plan" means different things. Let's look at the three types of quality control plans: The product quality control plan to include in a contract with a Chinese supplier The QC plan for a … [Read more...]
Use a Corrective Action Plan after a Failed Inspection
So, the inspector sent you their report, and you see quality issue(s) that you cannot accept in some of your products. It's classified as a failed inspection, and you tell the supplier about the issues. This is where a corrective action … [Read more...]
How The AQL Inspection Levels In ISO 2859-1 Affect Sampling Size
This article introduces the different AQL inspection levels available to buyers. Those levels are mentioned in the ISO 2859-1 standard (or its American equivalent, ANSI/ASQC Z1.4). Let’s explore the different levels of random … [Read more...]
List of testing laboratories in China
Many small buyers don't know where their products can be laboratory tested in China. Actually, many of them don't even know that they are responsible for compliance with their country's safety regulations. A handful of international … [Read more...]
Undetected QC Issues: 7 Common Failures of Chinese Inspectors
Quality inspectors are human like the rest of us, and while it's usually unlikely that they will let major QC issues slip through the net, it can happen. Let's examine why and how this happens, and how to mitigate or stop these … [Read more...]
How Much Does a Quality Inspection in China cost?
Understanding the cost of quality inspections in China I am always surprised by the expectations of some importers regarding the cost of quality inspections in a Chinese factory. Some importers get to talk about their project for some … [Read more...]
The Special Inspection Levels in the AQL Tables
A few years ago I wrote about the inspection levels, but I regularly notice that some people are confused about the "special" levels (S1, S2, S3, and S4). Here is what the ISO 2859-1 standard says (emphasis is mine): The inspection … [Read more...]
QC Basics: What is a Quality Inspection? Context, Tools & Template
This article answers the question: 'What is a quality inspection?' and explores when they typically take place (before, during, and after production). We will cover the types of inspections most widely used by buyers in international … [Read more...]
Avoiding Mold on Imported Products Shipped in Ocean Containers
Several clients asked me recently about a way to avoid mold on imported products shipped from a Chinese, Vietnamese, or Indian factory. This is a serious problem. The reason is usually a combination of these 5 factors: The products … [Read more...]
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