# Packaging inspection checklist: print, board and strength > What our inspectors check on cartons, boxes and labels: print against the proof, board grade, glue bonds, barcode grade, strength tests and EU PPWR data. Source: https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/packaging/ Inspection checkpoints · Packaging # Packaging inspection: what we check. A packaging inspection checks print against the approved proof, board grade, construction and strength on a random sample drawn to ANSI/ASQ Z1.4. Here is what our inspectors check on cartons, retail boxes, labels and inserts. [Book an inspection](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/book-an-inspection/?product=Packaging) [Open the checklist](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/inspection-checklist/?cat=packaging) 13 defects we look for 6 on-site tests 0 / 2.5 / 4.0 typical AQL Packaging **Critical** Barcode that scans as a different product **Major** Print colour outside the tolerance agreed against the proof **Minor** Small ink spot or scuff Corrugated shipping cartons, folding cartons, rigid gift boxes, labels and sleeves, mailers, bags and inserts. Defects by class ## Critical, major, minor: how we class them. Each defect in the sample is photographed and counted in its class. Your AQL plan sets how many are allowed; for critical defects the answer is none. AQL 0 ### Critical defects Likely to injure the user or breaks a mandatory rule of the destination market. One critical defect in the sample means the lot is not accepted. * Barcode that scans as a different product * Missing or wrong mandatory warning or legal text * Mould, oil or pests on a food-contact surface * Food-contact packaging with no compliance declaration AQL 2.5 typical ### Major defects Likely to cause a failure, reduce usability or make the product unsaleable, so a customer would return it. * Print colour outside the tolerance agreed against the proof * Misregistration or text error visible to the customer * Wrong size or dieline: the product does not fit * Board below specification: wrong flute, ply or grammage * Glue flap not bonded; lamination bubbles or peeling * Barcode below the grade your customer requires AQL 4.0 typical ### Minor defects A departure from the specification that does not affect use and is unlikely on its own to cause a return. * Small ink spot or scuff * Slight crease mark away from the main panel * Small variation in varnish sheen Your specification and approved sample decide the final class. Where a buyer defines zones (for example, zone A for the most visible surfaces), a defect in zone A is usually classed higher than the same defect in a hidden area. On-site tests ## Tests we run at the factory. 1. 01 **Board check** Flute, ply, grammage and caliper against the specification. 2. 02 **Compression strength** Supplier ECT or BCT report confirmed for the carton grade. 3. 03 **Rub (scuff) test** Print rubbed to check ink and varnish hold. 4. 04 **Glue bond** Glued seams opened by hand: fibre tear shows a good bond. 5. 05 **Barcode grade** Verifier reading to ISO/IEC 15416 where a grade is required. 6. 06 **Pack test** Product packed and drop-tested (ISTA 1A style) where the packaging is new. Measurements ## Points we measure. Measurement points for packaging Point| How we measure ---|--- Internal length, width, height| Against the dieline Board caliper| Thickness gauge Print position| Distance of key elements from edges Label size| Labels and sleeves Unit: mm unless stated. We measure at least five units per size or version against your specification and tolerances, and report every reading. Packing and labelling ## Packed right, labelled right. * Packed flat or nested as instructed, banded in counted bundles * Protected from moisture: wrapped pallets, dry storage * Bundle and pallet counts match the packing list * Pallet labels and carton marks as specified * Shipping marks, carton count, gross weight and dimensions agree with the packing list Market marks ## What your market expects. EU PPWR applies from 12 August 2026: EU declaration of conformity and technical documentation, the importer’s name and postal address on the packaging, and lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium together below 100 mg/kg. EU food contact From 12 August 2026, PFAS limits apply to food-contact packaging under PPWR. EU (later) Harmonised sorting labels become mandatory from 12 August 2028 at the earliest. FSC FSC label printed only where the supplier holds a valid licence and chain-of-custody certificate. We check marks and documents against your specification. Your compliance team or test lab confirms which rules apply to your exact product. How we inspect it ## On the floor, step by step. We compare sampled pieces with the approved proof and dieline under D65 light, measure board and dimensions, and test glue bonds and print. Where the packaging is new, we pack your product into it and run a drop test. Suggested planLevel II with AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0 is usual; count packaging by the piece. * [Sampling**AQL sampling planner** Sample size and accept numbers for AQL 0 / 2.5 / 4.0.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/aql-sampling-planner/?lot=3500&level=II&crit=0&major=2.5&minor=4.0) * [Checklist**Packaging inspection checklist** A printable form with these checks, ready for your inspector.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/inspection-checklist/?cat=packaging) * [Testing**Test advisor** Which lab tests your product needs before it ships.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/test-advisor/) * [Report**See an example report** A full pre-shipment report, page by page.](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/sample-report/) Other categories * [Apparel and textiles](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/apparel-and-textiles/) * [Home textiles](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/home-textiles/) * [Metal hardgoods](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/metal-hardgoods/) * [Plastic products](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/plastic-products/) * [Electronics and electricals](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/electronics/) * [Furniture](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/furniture/) * [Leather goods and footwear](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/leather-goods-and-footwear/) * [Ceramics and glass](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/ceramics-and-glass/) * [Toys](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/checkpoints/toys/) Packaging inspection questions ## Straight answers. Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot. [anirudh@sourcesquid.co](mailto:anirudh@sourcesquid.co) ### What does a packaging inspection include? Quantity and bundling, print against the approved proof, text and barcodes, dimensions against the dieline, board grade, glue bonds, finishing such as lamination and foil, and strength checks, plus the documents your market requires. ### Can you check PPWR compliance for packaging? We collect the supplier data that PPWR asks for, such as material composition and heavy metal test results, and check the importer marking on the packaging. The EU declaration of conformity stays the manufacturer’s responsibility. ### How do you check carton strength? We confirm flute, ply and grammage on site and check the supplier’s edge crush (ECT) or box compression (BCT) report for the grade. For new packaging, we pack the product and drop-test a carton. Book a check ## Your packaging, checked point by point. Tell us the product, the factory and the date. We confirm the inspector and the fixed price the same working day. [Book an inspection](https://sourcesquid.co/quality/book-an-inspection/?product=Packaging)[Talk to a principal](https://sourcesquid.co/contact/)