QualityInspectioninIndia—AQL2.5,photo-documented,everycontainer.

What an AQL 2.5 inspection actually checks

AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) is the international sampling standard codified in ISO 2859-1. AQL 2.5 means that, statistically, the inspected lot will pass if the major defect rate is ≤ 2.5% and the minor defect rate is ≤ 4.0%. Critical defects (safety, regulatory) are zero-tolerance.

Each inspection covers six dimensions: workmanship (stitch density, finish quality, alignment), dimensions (calliper-checked against spec), function (does the lamp turn on, does the drawer slide), packaging (carton strength, drop tested), labelling (barcodes, country of origin, certifications), and quantity (counted, not assumed).

Our inspectors are full-time Asia Sourcing employees — not contracted third parties. They carry standardised tool kits (callipers, moisture meters, scales, gloss meters, lux meters where relevant) and submit a photo-illustrated report within 24 hours of leaving the factory.

Four inspection points in a production cycle

Most failed shipments trace back to a single missing inspection point. We recommend at least IPC + PSI for any new factory relationship, and add DUPRO + CLI for high-risk SKUs (electrical lighting, breakable décor, FSC timber).

Photo dossier — what you actually receive

Every inspection generates a structured PDF report delivered within 24 hours. The report includes:

• Inspection summary — pass/fail/conditional with major/minor counts vs AQL 2.5 limits.
• 30-50 reference photographs across workmanship, packaging, labelling and carton-level QR codes.
• Defect log with severity classification and recommended corrective action.
• Container loading photos — every pallet stacked, every seal photographed before close.
• Test certificates (where applicable) — drop test, salt spray, moisture, electrical, etc.
• Inspector signature, photograph and ID — accountability is named.

Lab testing partnerships

For regulatory-grade testing — REACH, Prop 65, EN 71, CPSIA, EN 1811 nickel release, LM-79 photometric, salt-spray, drop testing, fibre composition — we partner with the four major accredited labs operating in India:

• SGS India — full-spectrum lab; preferred for textiles and electricals.
• Intertek — strong on home goods, packaging integrity, EN 71.
• TÜV SÜD — preferred for European destinations + CE/UKCA dossiers.
• Bureau Veritas — strong on Middle East market and heavy goods.

Pricing — transparent, per man-day

Inspection cost is per man-day, dispatched from the nearest Asia Sourcing cluster office. No surprise mileage or per-diem add-ons. Sample carton count is calculated against AQL 2.5 General II — typical 500-2000 carton lots = 32-50 samples = one inspector for 1-2 days.