Pre-shipment inspection is the last opportunity to catch quality problems before goods leave the factory. Skipping it consistently produces expensive surprises at destination. This is the standard checklist.
AQL Standards
- AQL 2.5 โ Standard for garments (typical)
- AQL 4.0 โ Standard for basic commodities
- AQL 1.5 โ Premium/luxury goods
- AQL 1.0 โ Very high quality items
Sample Size (per ANSI/ASQ Z1.4)
- Order 3,201โ10,000 pcs: sample 200
- Order 1,201โ3,200 pcs: sample 125
- Order 501โ1,200 pcs: sample 80
- Order 281โ500 pcs: sample 50
Standard Inspection Points
- Carton and packing list reconciliation
- External carton condition
- Product measurement verification (min 5 pcs per size)
- Fabric weight verification (GSM)
- Colour matching to approved standard (D65 lightbox)
- Fibre composition verification
- Seam strength testing
- Zipper functionality
- Button attachment strength
- Embroidery quality
- Print quality (colour fastness)
- Label content and placement
- Hangtag verification
- Polybag/carton labelling
Defect Classification
- Critical defect โ Safety/regulatory: any = shipment rejection
- Major defect โ Function/appearance: fails at 2.5% level
- Minor defect โ Minor cosmetic: fails at 4.0% level
Third-Party Inspection Services
- SGS โ Global reach, standard $250-500 per day
- Intertek โ Comparable to SGS
- Bureau Veritas โ Similar
- QIMA โ Textile-focused, mid-priced
- AsiaInspection โ Cost-effective for smaller orders
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.