AQL pre-shipment inspection, explained for importers
What AQL levels mean, how many units get checked, and how to read an inspection report before you pay the balance.
5 min read
What a pre-shipment inspection is
A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is carried out when production is at least 80% complete and packed. The inspector draws a random sample, checks it against your specification and reports whether the lot passes. Because it happens before you pay the balance, the supplier still has a reason to fix problems.
How AQL sampling works
AQL stands for Acceptance Quality Limit. Under ISO 2859-1 the lot size and the inspection level decide how many units are checked, and the AQL decides how many defects are allowed in that sample. General inspection level II is the usual default.
Defects are classified as critical (unsafe or illegal), major (likely to cause a return) and minor (unlikely to cause a return). Common limits for consumer goods are 0 critical, 2.5 major and 4.0 minor.
What gets checked
- Quantity produced and packed against the order
- Packaging, cartons, shipping marks and labels
- Workmanship and visual defects
- Dimensions, weight and colour against approved samples
- Functional or on-site tests specific to the product
Reading the report
A good report gives a clear pass, fail or pending result, lists every defect found with photos, and separates the inspector's findings from the supplier's comments. If the lot fails, you can accept it, ask for sorting and rework, or book a re-inspection.
