General Inspection Criteria for Textiles

Critical - AQL 0%

• 1. Incorrect Country of Origin / Fibre Composition.

  2. Inconsistent labelling between UPC and outer box ( including multi-packs).

  3. Needle / pin in product.

  4. Rough / sharp edges on metal / plastic trims and components.

  5. Missing safety warnings - Fire warning in Nightwear / Childrenswear / certain Knitwear products.

  6. Missing sew-in label.

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Measurement outside tolerance.

  2. Missing trim.

  3. Uniformity of trimming positioning.

  4. Back neck label / sew-in label insecure.

  5. Poor legibility of label printing.

Fabric:

• 1. Fabric flaws - on presentation area of garment and visible at arms length.

  2. Snags / pulls in fabric / embroidery / Lace.

  3. Shade variation - between and within garments.

  4. Soiling / dirty marks.

Stitching:

• 1. Non-inclusion / over inclusion of fabric.

  2. Needle damage.

  3. Broken stitches.

  4. Cracking stitches.

  5. Unravelling buttonholes.

  6. Buttons missing / becoming detached.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

• 1. Poor thread joins.

  2. Poor thread matching.

  3. Untidy / Uneven neck join.

  4. Stepped seams / hems.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Childrenswear.

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Cords/ drawstrings – non-functional drawstrings max length of 14cm (up to 18cm if no toggle/ large knot at the end). Functional drawstrings to be no more than 10cm longer than the extended circumference of the product.

  2. Minimum neck stretch not met.

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

• 1. Loops (ie bows/ pocket tabs) - maximum length of 4cm..

  2. Threads / floats - maximum length 1cm for 0-3yrs and 2cm for age 3yrs upwards.

  3. Cords ends – knots to be no more than 2cm from end of cord and no less than 1cm.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Childrens Knitwear

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Linking / Bind off breaking down.

  2. Knots on face of garment.

  3. Minimum neck-stretch not achievable.

  4. Broken beads / Sequins.

  5. Beads not knotted off to specification. (Major fault for childrenswear).

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Welts uneven / flipping up.

  2. Poor transfer of rib welt to body.

  3. Knitting out of Wale.

  4. Top of pockets bagging / pulling in.

  5. Untidy seam joins.

  6. Excessive thread ends (maximum 1cm).

  7. Incorrect stitch tension of embroidery.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Lingerie.

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Fabric:

1. Yellowing.

Stitching:

• 1. Twisted Straps.

  2. No bar tack on wire casing.

  3. Thread ends on bar tack to be minimum 2mm and maximum 4mm.

  4. No wire-play at underarm - should be 1cm up to size 38B, 1.5cm sizes above 38B

  5. De-lamination of bra components.

  6. Seam join for Hook & Eye to be level with body panel, ie.-no stepping.

  7. Centre-Front panel to be balanced and flat.

  8. Snagging/holes/cuts in fabric and lace.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

• 1. Non matching of laces.

  2. Poor attachment of bows/trimmings.

  3. Thread ends exceeding 3mm.

  4. Level wires at Centre-front.

  5. String on knickers not straight.

  6. Gusset seam to lay flat and in the same direction.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Formal Trousers

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

• 1. Hook and bar / Zip broken / missing / not functional.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

• 1. Pressing Impressions.

  2. Creased leg lining.

  3. Leg crease not inline with front pleat/ dart.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Formal Jackets

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

• 1. Lining - no 'give'.

  2. Lining - too long - hanging below main fabric.

  3. Swinging vents.

  4. Pressing Impressions.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

• 1. Pressing Impressions.

  2. Creased leg lining.

  3. Poorly pressed / uneven neck break.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Knitwear

(see separate page for Childrens' Knitwear)

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Linking / Bind off breaking down.

  2. Knots on face of garment.

  3. Minimum neck-stretch not achievable.

  4. Broken beads / Sequins.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Welts uneven / flipping up.

  2. Poor transfer of rib welt to body.

  3. Knitting out of Wale.

  4. Top of pockets bagging / puling in.

  5. Untidy seam joins.

  6. Excessive thread ends (maximum 1cm).

  7. Incorrect stitch tension of embroidery.

  8. Beads not knotted off to specification. (Major fault for childrenswear)

Additional Inspection Criteria for Blouses and Casual Shirts.

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Checks not matching.

  2. Twisted Sleeves.

  3. Broken Beads / Sequins.

  4. Sleeves not to pair.

  5. Frayed seams.

  6. Excessive thread ends - maximum 1cm.

  7. Incorrect stitch tension on embroidery.

  8. Collars not symmetrical / paired.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Skirts

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Hem felling coming undone.

  2. Hem not level.

  3. Darts not paired/ matched.

  4. Side seam twisting more than 2cm.

  5. Lining visible below hem of skirt.

Minor Defect – AQL 4%

• 1. Uneven distribution of elastication at waist.

  2. Waist elastic not tacked down at side seams.

Additional Inspection Criteria for Trousers

Major Defects - AQL 1% / 2.5%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Centre front pin stitching not straight.

  2. Hem felling coming undone - either insecure at start & finish point or slipped stitches around circuit of hem.

  3. Differential between left & right leg of more than 5mm.

  4. Leg seams twisting / spiralling more than 2cm.

  5. Bar tack at zip not correctly positioned ie not covering base of zip.

Minor Defects - AQL 4%

Miscellaneous:

• 1. Waist elastic not tacked down at side seams.

  2. Uneven distribution / tension of elastication.

Inspection Criteria for Costume Jewellery

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defect – AQL 0%

1 Incorrect country of origin / UPC

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Packaging missing/incorrect

  2. Scratched metal / decoration

  3. Metal tarnished

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure soldered joins.

  6. Corrosion of metal components

  7. Inoperable mechanism/ fastening

  8. Sharp edges

  9. Perceivable difference in coloured stones / plated components when at arms length

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Minor scratches to metal

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR BELTS/BRACES

Sample Plan BS 6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Incorrect country of origin/UPC label

  2. Rough/sharp edges on buckles and metal trims

  3. Delamination

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Incorrect sew in label/missing or incorrect swing ticket

  2. Scratches, marks and stains

  3. Measurement discrepencies

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure seams

  6. Faulty/incorrect packaging

  7. Shade variation outside agreed tolerance

  8. Corrosion of metal components

  9. Stiff mechanism (reversible belts only)

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Soiling visible at arms length

  3. Thread ends

  4. Cleanness of holes

  5. Glue bumps on edges

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR CUFFLINKS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defect – AQL 0%

1 Incorrect country of origin / UPC

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Packaging missing/incorrect

  2. Scratched metal / decoration

  3. Metal tarnished

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure soldered joins.

  6. Corrosion of metal components

  7. Inoperable mechanism

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Minor scratches to metal

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR SUN / READING GLASSES

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defect – AQL 0%

• 1. Incorrect country of origin / UPC

  2. Non-inclusion of:

• • BSEN 1836:1997 mark

  • C.E. mark

  • Lens category number

  • logo

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Swing ticket missing/incorrect

  2. Loose lens

  3. Sharp points

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Lens chipped / scratched / cracked.

  6. Packaging faulty

  7. Arm too stiff / too loose

  8. Poor application of colour

  9. Sharp / unsightly injection point

  10. Gap between lens and frame

  11. Distortion in lens

  12. Lenses visibly different colour

  13. Splits/cracks present in components

  14. Arms bent / uneven temple

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Minor scratches within 5mm from the frame

  3. Small pin marks in the frame

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR TEXTILE / BLOCKED HATS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Presence of whole or part needle / pin

  2. Incorrect country of origin / UPC Label

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Swing ticket missing/incorrect

  2. Torn fabric

  3. Incorrect size

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure seams.

  6. Packaging faulty

  7. Soiling visible at less than an arms length

  8. Corrosion of metal components

  9. Products do not have an obnoxious smell.

  10. Fabric/ Straw flaws visible at less than arms length

  11. Rough edges around crown – brim seam.

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Thread ends longer than 10mm.

  3. Soiling visible at arms length

  4. Slight colour variation panel to panel

  5. Fabric flaws/ dark Sinnamay threads visible at arms length

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR LEATHER GOODS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Presence of whole or part needle / pin

  2. Incorrect country of origin / UPC Label

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Swing ticket missing/incorrect

  2. Scratched / torn leather

  3. Incorrect size

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure seams.

  6. Packaging faulty

  7. Soiling visible at less than an arms length

  8. Corrosion of metal components

  9. Inoperable zip

  10. Obvious colour variation panel to panel

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Soiling visible at arms length

  3. Slight colour variation panel to panel

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR REAL JEWELLERY

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defect – AQL 0%

• 1. Incorrect country of origin / UPC

  2. Incorrect hallmark / mark

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Packaging missing/incorrect

  2. Scratched metal / decoration

  3. Metal tarnished

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure soldered joins.

  6. Corrosion of metal components

  7. Inoperable mechanism/ fastening

  8. Sharp edges

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Minor scratches to metal

  3. Perceivable difference in coloured stones when at arms length

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR TEXTILE GIFTS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Presence of whole or part needle / pin

  2. Incorrect country of origin / UPC Label

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Swing ticket missing/incorrect

  2. Torn fabric

  3. Incorrect size

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Insecure seams.

  6. Packaging faulty

  7. Soiling visible at less than an arms length

  8. Corrosion of metal components

  9. Inoperable zip

  10. Fabric flaws visible at less than arms length

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Soiling visible at arms length

  3. Slight colour variation panel to panel

  4. Fabric flaws visible at arms length

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR UMBRELLAS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Evidence of Infestation

  2. Incorrect country of origin / UPC Label

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Swing ticket missing/incorrect

  2. Sew-in label missing / incorrect

  3. Soiling visible at arm's length

  4. Component missing/insecure

  5. Holes / tears in fabric

  6. Flaw in fabric visible from arms length

  7. Unsatisfactory operation of umbrella

  8. Poor application of varnish (wooden handles only)

  9. Insecure seams

  10. Red rust visible on the frame

  11. White corrosion visible on the frame when viewed at arms length

  12. Splits / cracks present in wooden components

  13. Long threads greater than 10mm in length

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Long threads less than 10mm in length

  2. Soiling not visible at arms length

  3. Fabric flaws not visible at arms length

  4. White corrosion not visible at arms length

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR WATCHES / CLOCKS

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Incorrect country of origin / UPC Label

  2. Leaking Battery

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Packaging missing / incorrect

  2. Scratched case / screen

  3. Incorrect size

  4. Sharp edges on clasp and watch body

  5. Tarnished metal

  6. Component missing / insecure

  7. Clock not functioning / time incorrect

  8. Insecure strap

  9. Instructions missing / incorrect

  10. Inoperable opening / time change mechanism

  11. Poorly fitting battery compartment / loose case back

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to packaging

  2. Minor scratches to metal

  3. Thread ends greater than 1cm

INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR FOOTWEAR

Sample Plan BS6001

Critical Defects - AQL 0%

• 1. Exposed sharp edges such from Nails, Tacks, Staples, Eyes and Needles in or on product.

  2. Incorrect country of origin / size / UPC Label.

  3. Sole / Heel becoming detached/poorly attached/breaking.

Major Defects - AQL 2.5%

• 1. Shade variation between and within products.

  2. Sock poorly attached.

  3. Holes in fabric / leather.

  4. Broken / Loose or unravelling stitching .

  5. Trimmings and fastenings poorly attached / broken.

  6. Uniformity of trimming and fastening placement.

  7. Leather / material not of acceptable quality.

  8. Top piece poorly attached.

  9. Excessive Toe spring / twisting / misshapen.

  10. Excess cement at Rands / Uppers.

  11. Soiling / dirty marks.

Minor Defects - AQL 4.0%

• 1. Minor scratches to leather.

  2. Minor Glue marks / residue.

  3. Tarnishing of metal trim.

  4. Poor Clarity of sock stamping.

  5. Excessive thread ends.