What Is AQL Inspection and How It Protects Your Leather Order
Updated: 2 days ago
AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) inspection is a statistical sampling method used to check a production run for defects before it ships, based on the ISO 2859-1 standard. Instead of checking every unit, inspectors examine a sample sized to the lot and classify any defects found.
Key Takeaways
AQL inspection is a statistical sampling method based on the ISO 2859-1 standard.
Sample size is set from the lot size using standard AQL sampling tables.
Defects are classed as critical, major or minor, each with its own acceptance threshold.
AQL 2.5 is the common default for leather goods; stricter buyers request AQL 1.5.
The inspection can be in-house or by a third-party agency, and produces a report before shipment.
How AQL Inspection Works
Sample size is calculated from the total lot size using standardized AQL sampling tables.
Defects are classified as critical, major or minor, each with its own acceptance threshold.
The lot passes or fails based on how many defects of each type are found in the sample.
An inspection report documents the results, giving the buyer a paper trail before shipment.
Why It Matters When Sourcing Leather Goods
Leather is a natural material with some inherent variation, which makes a documented inspection standard more important, not less — it gives you an objective way to separate normal material character from an actual manufacturing defect, before the shipment leaves the factory rather than after it lands.
How Sanwas International works with brands
Sanwas International is an LWG-certified OEM and private label leather manufacturer based in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, producing footwear, outerwear, furniture leather and hides for brands in India and worldwide. AQL inspection with reports is standard on our production runs; see our factory and production capacity page and our checklist for choosing an OEM leather manufacturing partner in India. Request a quote from Sanwas International.
Frequently Asked Questions
What AQL level is standard for leather goods?
AQL 2.5 is the common industry default for general merchandise, including most leather goods. Buyers with stricter quality requirements sometimes request AQL 1.5 for critical or major defects.
Who performs the AQL inspection — the factory or a third party?
It can be either. Many manufacturers run AQL inspection in-house and issue their own report; buyers who want an added layer of assurance can also commission an independent third-party inspection agency to inspect the same lot before shipment.
Does Sanwas International provide inspection reports?
Yes — AQL inspection with inspection reports is standard practice on Sanwas International's production runs, so buyers have documentation before the shipment leaves the factory.
Want Inspected, Documented Leather Production? Get a Quote
Brands, retailers and importers in India and overseas: tell us your product category, leather type, target quantity per style, delivery city or destination country, preferred Incoterm and target delivery date. First samples are complimentary, and Sanwas International supplies across India and exports worldwide.
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