You open the inspector's PDF and see "AQL 2.5 / 4.0, passed." Sounds reassuring, but passed what, exactly? AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) doesn't mean zero defects. It's a sampling rule that decides whether a batch is good enough without checking every unit.
How the Numbers Work
AQL comes from ISO 2859-1 (also ANSI/ASQ Z1.4). Take a lot of 1,000 vacuums at General Level II: it falls in the 501 to 1,200 row, code letter J, and the inspector pulls 80 units. Most importers set 0 for critical defects, 2.5 for major, and 4.0 for minor, while electronics buyers often tighten major defects to 1.5.
Source: Asia Quality Focus, asiaqualityfocus.com/resources/aql
For that 80-unit sample, the accept/reject limits are 5/6 at AQL 2.5 and 7/8 at AQL 4.0. Find 6 major defects and the lot fails.
Source: AIU Inspections, aiuinspections.com/aql-calculator
What to Check in Your Report
Critical defects: anything unsafe, like an overheating battery. Even one is a fail.
Major defects: weak suction, loose housing, a dead unit.
Minor defects: scratches or small cosmetic flaws.
Inspection level: use the stricter Level III for a first order with a new factory.
A good Cordless Vacuum Cleaner China supplier will accept third-party AQL checks before shipment, and will agree on defect definitions in writing.
FAQ
Does AQL 2.5 mean 2.5% defects are guaranteed?
No. It's the threshold a lot can reach and still be accepted, based on sampling.
Which inspection level should I choose?
General Level II is the default. Go stricter for new suppliers.
