Quality Control (QC) is a systematic inspection and supervision activity in foreign trade to ensure products meet contract, industry, or customer standards. Its core lies in detecting and correcting defects through sampling, testing, inspection, etc., at pre-production, in-production, and post-production stages to avoid delivery of non-conforming products. Usage scenarios include: supplier evaluation, during production inspection (DUPRO), pre-shipment inspection (PSI), container loading supervision, etc. Notes: QC is not equivalent to Quality Assurance (QA); QA focuses on process prevention, while QC focuses on finished product inspection. Inspection standards (e.g., AQL), cost-bearing party, and non-conformance handling methods must be clarified. The difference from 'quality inspection' is that QC emphasizes process control. Foreign trade practitioners should detail QC clauses in contracts, such as inspection time, location, agency, and rejection rights, to reduce trade risks.
📝 Examples
1. We commissioned a third-party agency to conduct quality control before shipment to ensure the qualification rate of this batch of electronic products is not less than 98%. (Note: Pre-shipment QC inspection ensures product qualification rate)
2. According to the contract, the buyer has the right to send personnel to the factory for during production quality control, and the seller must provide necessary cooperation. (Note: Buyer exercises QC rights, seller's obligation to cooperate)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner