Inspection Criteria are the objective basis and specific indicators stipulated in foreign trade contracts to determine whether the quality, quantity, packaging, etc. of goods meet the requirements. They typically include sampling plans (such as AQL), inspection items (appearance, function, dimensions), test methods, acceptance thresholds, etc. Usage scenarios: Clearly defining inspection criteria when signing a contract can avoid disputes arising from ambiguous standards at delivery; during inspection, inspectors issue reports based on the criteria, which serve as evidence for the buyer to accept or reject the goods. Precautions: The criteria should be specific and quantifiable, avoiding subjective words such as 'good' or 'suitable'; international standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM) or industry standards should be explicitly referenced; the inspection time, location, cost bearing, and handling of non-conformities should also be agreed upon. Difference from other terms: Inspection Criteria differ from 'Quality Clause', which is a macro-level quality requirement, whereas inspection criteria are specific parameters at the execution level; they also differ from 'Acceptance Criteria', which may include final acceptance after installation and commissioning, while inspection criteria usually refer to pre-shipment inspection.
📝 Examples
1. According to the inspection criteria stipulated in the contract, the AQL sampling level is II, the acceptance level for major defects is 2.5, and for minor defects is 4.0; the inspector will conduct random sampling accordingly. (Note: AQL is cited in the contract as the inspection criteria, specifying sampling and acceptance levels.)
2. The buyer sent a third-party inspector to the factory to inspect 1,000 products according to the inspection criteria, and found 3 major defects, exceeding the acceptance level; the buyer has the right to reject the entire batch. (Note: This demonstrates the role of inspection criteria in actual inspection and the consequences.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
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