QC Guide

Packaging QC Process: Inline & Pre-Shipment Inspection

Quality is checked in stages, not at the end.

Direct answer

Good factories check quality at material intake, inline during production and at pre-shipment inspection. Buyers should request QC reports, agree on inspection standards (such as AQL) and optionally use third-party inspection for large orders.

Comparison table

QC stageWhat is checkedBuyer action
Material intakeBoard, film, ink complianceRequest material certs
Inline checksColor, register, structureAsk about checkpoints
Pre-shipmentRandom sample per AQLRequest inspection report
Packaging checkCarton counts, labelsConfirm packing specs

RFQ checklist

  • Ask for the QC process in the RFQ
  • Agree on inspection standard
  • Request pre-shipment inspection
  • Confirm QC documents provided
  • Consider third-party inspection

FAQ

What is AQL?

Acceptance Quality Limit, a sampling standard used in pre-shipment inspection to decide if a batch passes.

Should I use third-party inspection?

For large or critical orders, third-party inspection adds independent assurance; many buyers use it.

What QC documents should I request?

Material certificates, inline check records and pre-shipment inspection reports.

Does your factory provide QC reports?

Yes, Packaging Factory Direct provides inspection reports and supports third-party inspection.

Related: factory audit, testing standards, request QC documents.