CATEGORY-SPECIFIC INSPECTION STANDARD
Paper fails differently from ceramics or electronics. Before the first inspection we write an inspection criteria sheet (ICQ) for the exact product: the checks, the tools, the acceptance tolerance and the defect class. This is the standard we use for paper and printed goods.
AQL Level II sampling · Accept CR 0 / MA 1.5 / MI 4.0 · Updated October 2026
A single checklist across every product only catches what is obvious: a scratch, a stain, a missing part. It misses the failures that actually cause returns — ink that feathers on coated paper, foil that lifts after a rub, adhesive that lets go at 5 °C, a carton that splits in a 3 ft drop. Those are category-specific, so the checks have to be too.
Sampling: AQL Level II (Level III tightened for first orders). Defect classes: CR critical, MA major, MI minor.
| Check | Method / tool | Sample | Acceptance | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Calipers / steel rule | 3 pcs | Within ±2% of the approved spec | MA |
| Grammage | 0.01 g scale | 3 pcs | Within ±10% of the stated GSM | MA |
| Writing performance | Ballpoint and gel pen across the sheet | 3 pcs | Even ink lay, no feathering, no skipping | MA |
| Foil adhesion | Dry rub, 10 strokes | 3 pcs | No lifting, blistering or transfer | MA |
| Gum adhesion | Seal, press, peel after 10 seconds | 5 pcs | Fibre tear over ≥70% of the sealed area | MI |
| Water-soluble paper | Immerse and stir | 3 pcs | Fully disperses within 30 seconds | MA |
| Heat resistance | Oven / microwave per spec | 5 pcs | No perforation, melting or embrittlement | MA |
| Print & lamination | Visual, 45° light | AQL | No misregistration, bubbles, scuffing or colour drift against the approved proof | MA |
| White border / trim | Visual | AQL | Border within ±1 mm; no torn or ragged edges | MI |
| Creasing & folding | Visual, open and close | AQL | Creases ≤10 mm; no cracking of the printed surface | MI |
| Glue overflow / lift | Visual and hand test | AQL | No visible squeeze-out; no open seams | MA |
| Sharps, blood, pests | Visual, gloves required | AQL | Zero tolerance | CR |
| Unauthorised logo or insert | Visual against approved artwork | AQL | No third-party branding, no review-solicitation insert | CR |
| Polybag & carton | Micrometer, drop test, scale | AQL | Bag ≥0.038 mm with suffocation warning when opening >5 in; 3 ft drop, 5 orientations; carton ≤60 cm, ≤20 kg, ≤150 pcs; PO label Code-128 | MA |
CR = reject the batch · MA = major, affects saleability · MI = minor, cosmetic. A CR finding stops the shipment regardless of the AQL result.
Looks fine in a photo. Fails the moment a customer writes on it — the reason one-star reviews say "ink bleeds through".
Passes a visual check at the factory, then rubs off in transit or in the customer's hand.
Seals in Guangzhou, opens in a cold warehouse. Only a peel test shows it before the shipment leaves.
Under 0.038 mm, Amazon can reject the unit at the fulfilment centre — after you have paid freight.
Over 20 kg or 60 cm and handling damage and carrier surcharges follow the shipment.
A previous client's branding or a review insert inside your carton is a critical defect, not an inconvenience.
An inspection samples a batch. It tells you whether this production run meets the agreed standard — not whether the factory can repeat it next quarter, holds the certifications it claims, or owns the line it runs. Those are audit questions. If the order is large, involves tooling or private label, or is your first FBA shipment, inspect the batch and audit the factory.