Summarize this article with AI Open a summary of this article in your preferred assistant
AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) inspection is a sampling method, based on ISO 2859-1, used to decide whether a production lot is accepted. An inspector checks a sample size set by the lot size and inspection level, and counts defects against agreed limits for critical, major and minor defects. Many apparel buyers use general inspection level II.
European buyers request AQL inspection because it gives a consistent, statistical way to accept or reject a production lot before shipment. AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) sampling is defined in ISO 2859-1: an inspector checks a sample of the lot and compares the number of defects found with agreed limits.
How AQL sampling works
- The lot size (for example, 1,200 pieces) and the inspection level set the sample size.
- The buyer chooses AQL values for each defect class — for example a stricter value for major defects than for minor ones.
- The inspector checks the sample and counts defects by class.
- If the count is at or below the acceptance number, the lot passes; above it, the lot fails or is reworked and re-inspected.
Many apparel buyers use general inspection level II. Commonly used values are 2.5 for major defects and 4.0 for minor defects, with zero tolerance for critical defects — but the levels are always the buyer's choice and should be written into the order.
Defects typically checked on jeans
| Class | Examples |
|---|---|
| Critical | Broken needle fragments, sharp edges on trims, safety issues |
| Major | Wrong measurements beyond tolerance, open seams, wrong wash shade, missing labels |
| Minor | Loose threads, small stains that can be removed, slight unevenness in stitching |
What a manufacturer should provide
- An approved sample as the reference for inspection
- Measurement charts with tolerances
- A wash standard for shade comparison
- Packing details so the inspector can draw a random sample
Inspection during production
Final AQL inspection goes more smoothly when problems are caught earlier. Fabric checks before cutting and measurement checks during sewing reduce the risk of a failed final inspection. See how these checks fit into the jeans production process.
Producing with Kuzgunlar Textile
Kuzgunlar Textile manufactures jeans, denim shirts and denim jackets for men and women in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, as private label production or to your own design. Our minimum order is 100–150 pieces per style, with samples in 7–10 days and bulk production in 3–5 weeks, depending on the order and approvals. See our collections or send us your brief.
Frequently asked questions
What does AQL 2.5 mean?
It is an acceptance level used with ISO 2859-1 tables. For a given sample size it sets the maximum number of defects of that class at which the lot is still accepted.
Who chooses the AQL level?
The buyer. The levels should be agreed and written into the order before production starts.
What happens if a lot fails AQL inspection?
Usually the lot is sorted or reworked and inspected again, as agreed between buyer and manufacturer.
0 comments
Leave a comment
Your comment will be published after review.