A Quality Agreement is a written agreement between the buyer and seller in a foreign trade contract regarding commodity quality standards, inspection methods, sampling rules, handling of non-conforming products, and division of responsibilities. It usually serves as an attachment to the main contract or as a separate document to clarify technical details and avoid claims or returns due to quality disputes. Use cases include: OEM/ODM manufacturing, long-term supply, custom products, etc. Notes: It must be consistent with the main contract terms, explicitly reference standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM), inspection agencies (e.g., SGS), objection periods, and rectification mechanisms. Unlike a 'Quality Guarantee', a Quality Agreement is a negotiated contract between both parties, not a unilateral commitment; compared to a 'Specification Sheet', it focuses more on responsibilities and processes. It is recommended to use a bilingual version (Chinese and English) and stipulate the applicable law and arbitration method.
📝 Examples
1. We recommend attaching a Quality Agreement when signing the purchase contract, specifying the AQL sampling level and third-party inspection agency, to avoid disputes arising from quality non-conformity after delivery. (Note: Used to remind customers to improve contract attachments and reduce risks.)
2. According to Article 5 of the Quality Agreement, if the batch defect rate exceeds 2%, the seller must replace the goods free of charge within 7 days and bear the freight. (Note: Demonstrates specific breach handling clauses in a Quality Agreement.)
💡 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