# QC inspection checklist: pre-shipment, in-line, first article

> Build a printable QC inspection checklist for 10 product categories: packing, labelling, workmanship, function, measurements, on-site tests and AQL header.

Source: https://sourcesquid.co/tools/inspection-checklist/

Quality tool · free

# Inspection checklist generator. A ready-to-use inspector's form.

A quality inspection checklist lists every check an inspector makes on a lot: quantity and packing, labels and market marks, workmanship, function, measurements, on-site tests and documents. Choose your product category and inspection type, and this tool builds a printable form with an ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 sample size, tolerance fields and your own added checks.

  * __Free, no sign-up
  * __Runs in your browser
  * __Save as PDF or email it

Tick results and write notes on screen, or print a blank form with Save as PDF.

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**Saved.** Want a copy in your inbox or on WhatsApp as well? Optional.

How it works

## Three steps. One clear answer.

  1. 01

Pick the product category and the inspection type: pre-shipment, in-line or first article.

  2. 02

Fill in the PO, supplier, lot size and AQLs; the sample size and accept numbers appear in the form header.

  3. 03

Add your own checks, then tick results on screen or save a blank form as PDF for your inspector.

Method and sources

Checks follow common third-party inspection practice. A pre-shipment inspection starts when the order is 100% finished and at least 80% packed; an in-line inspection runs during production, ideally at 20 to 30% complete; a first article inspection checks the first units from mass-production tooling against the drawing and golden sample. The header sample size uses ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) single sampling at General Inspection Level II, normal inspection, with arrow rules applied and critical defects at zero acceptance. Market references (EN 71, 16 CFR, REACH, EU Regulation 1007/2011, ISO 3758, IEC 60335-1, IEC 62368-1) name the rule behind each check; test forces, loads and limits come from your specification or the named standard.

  * [EU: product safety and requirements (Your Europe)](https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product-requirements/index_en.htm)
  * [US CPSC: business guidance and regulations](https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing)

Results are estimates to support your decisions. For binding figures, ask our team or your customs broker.

Inspection checklist questions

## Straight answers.

Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.

[anirudh@sourcesquid.co](mailto:anirudh@sourcesquid.co)

### What does a pre-shipment inspection check?

Quantity, packing, shipping marks and labels, workmanship against the golden sample, function, key measurements and on-site tests such as a carton drop test and barcode scan, on a random sample drawn to AQL.

### When should an in-line inspection happen?

Usually when 20 to 30% of the order is produced. Issues found then are quick to correct before the rest of the order is made.

### What is a first article inspection?

A detailed check of the first units made with mass-production tooling, materials and processes, compared with the drawing and golden sample, before full production starts.

### How many units should the inspector check?

For a pre-shipment or in-line inspection, use ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 General Level II: a lot of 3,500 units needs 200 units at AQL 2.5 major and 4.0 minor. The form header calculates this for you.

### Which on-site tests should I ask for?

It depends on the product: a carton drop test and barcode scan for most goods, seam strength for apparel, hi-pot and earth continuity for electricals, moisture content for wooden furniture and small parts testing for toys. The checklist adds the right tests for your category.

Use it with

## Tools that work well together.

[Quality**AQL sampling** An AQL sampling plan tells an inspector how many units to pull from a lot and how many defects of each class the lot can contain and still be accepted.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/aql-sampling-planner/)[Quality**Drop test planner** A drop test checks that a packed product survives the knocks of handling, and ISTA 1A sets the drop height by packed weight: 76 cm for packs under 9.5 kg, down to 31 cm for 27.7 to 45.4 kg.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/drop-test-planner/)[Quality**Test advisor** Product testing checks that goods from a factory meet your specification and the rules of your market, from alloy grade and colour fastness to electrical safety and restricted substances.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/test-advisor/)[Suppliers**Supplier health check** A supplier health check is a structured screen of a new factory's identity, capability and working style before you order samples or tooling.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/supplier-health-check/)

From numbers to factories

## Turn this result into a free teardown.

Send one drawing, photo or quote. A principal returns how it is made, where it is made best and a realistic target price, free, in 48 hours.

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