AQL: the standard behind most inspections in China
When you see "AQL 2.5/4.0" on a booking form, you are looking at the Acceptance Quality Limit — the maximum number of defects a batch may contain while still being considered acceptable. AQL is the international language of pre-shipment inspection, used by inspectors all over China.
How AQL sampling works
Based on the total batch size, an inspection level (usually II) and the AQL values you choose, the standard sampling table (ISO 2859-1 / ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) tells the inspector exactly how many products to check — and how many defects are allowed.
Defects are classified into three severities:
- Critical — unsafe or non-compliant products. Any critical defect normally means rejection;
- Major — significant deviations from specification that affect function or saleability;
- Minor — small deviations such as cosmetic issues that do not affect use.
Each severity has its own AQL. For example, you might specify Critical 0, Major 1.0, Minor 2.5 — a common default for consumer goods.
Reading the result
If the number of defects found stays at or below the acceptance number, the batch passes. If it reaches the rejection number, the batch fails and the factory must sort or rework — and you should consider a re-inspection before shipping.
Choosing the right AQL is a commercial decision: tighter AQL means more inspection and higher cost, but fewer surprises. QCANT can help you select the level that fits your product risk and budget.
Book an AQL inspection in China →
QCANT — Independent quality inspection & auditing in China. Contact us: cs@QCANT.com.