FAQs

Once you confirm your order, you will receive a system notification email to acknowledge your booking. Additionally, our operations team will reach out to both you and the factory to ensure the booking details are double confirmed before the audit takes place.

It’s important to understand the role of a Quality Control (QC) provider. Our main responsibility is to evaluate and report findings, but we don’t have the authority to determine the acceptability of a production lot or directly resolve issues with manufacturers unless specific arrangements have been made.

As inspectors, our primary role is to conduct relevant AQL inspections according to established procedures and report our findings. If a supplier doesn’t take appropriate actions based on these findings, the recurring issues may persist.

However, at IQMS, we offer additional services such as QC consulting and production management that can help suppliers address production issues. If you would like more information on how we can support you in resolving these challenges, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our coordinator maintains constant communication with both your supplier and our inspection team to stay informed about your inspection schedule. In most cases, we are aware beforehand if there is a need to reschedule the inspection. However, there are instances where the supplier fails to communicate promptly. In such situations, unless you have given prior instructions, we will cancel the inspection. Please be aware that a partial inspection fee will be charged, and you have the right to recover this cost from your supplier.

Acceptable Quality Limit / Level (AQL) is a statistical sampling method used in product inspections to determine the maximum number of defective items that can be considered acceptable in a given batch or lot. It helps assess whether a production run meets the desired quality standards.

AQL is expressed as a three-digit code: AQL X-Y-Z. Here’s what each digit represents:

1. X: Represents the critical defect level, which refers to defects that pose a significant safety risk or make the product unusable. The lower the X value, the stricter the criteria for critical defects.

2. Y: Represents the major defect level, which refers to defects that significantly affect the product’s function, utility, or marketability. The lower the Y value, the stricter the criteria for major defects.

3. Z: Represents the minor defect level, which refers to defects that are not likely to affect the product’s function or performance but may still be noticeable. The lower the Z value, the stricter the criteria for minor defects.

For example, an AQL of 1.5-2.5-4.0 means that for a particular inspection, the acceptable quality level for critical defects is 1.5%, for major defects is 2.5%, and for minor defects is 4.0%.

The specific AQL values are determined based on factors such as the product’s intended use, industry standards, customer expectations, and risk assessment. Different industries and products may have varying AQL requirements. It’s important for organizations to establish appropriate AQL levels based on their specific needs and quality goals.

It’s worth noting that AQL is a sampling-based method and doesn’t guarantee 100% defect detection. It provides a statistical framework for assessing quality based on the inspection results from a sample of the product batch.

A rejection takes place when there is an evident non-conformity with the inspection plan, indicating a clear failure to meet the specified requirements. On the other hand, a “hold shipment” typically arises when the issue is subjective and falls within the scope of non-conformance as defined by the inspection plan.