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.
Corrugated shipping cartons, folding cartons, rigid gift boxes, labels and sleeves, mailers, bags and inserts.
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.
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.
Likely to cause a failure, reduce usability or make the product unsaleable, so a customer would return it.
A departure from the specification that does not affect use and is unlikely on its own to cause a return.
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.
Flute, ply, grammage and caliper against the specification.
Supplier ECT or BCT report confirmed for the carton grade.
Print rubbed to check ink and varnish hold.
Glued seams opened by hand: fibre tear shows a good bond.
Verifier reading to ISO/IEC 15416 where a grade is required.
Product packed and drop-tested (ISTA 1A style) where the packaging is new.
| 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.
We check marks and documents against your specification. Your compliance team or test lab confirms which rules apply to your exact product.
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.
Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.
anirudh@sourcesquid.coQuantity 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.
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.
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.
Tell us the product, the factory and the date. We confirm the inspector and the fixed price the same working day.