Standards
AQL Inspection Planning for Apparel
Define the lot, defect categories, sampling scheme and decision rules before an apparel inspection. Keep sample findings, lot disposition and corrective action traceable.
Scope and applicability
Acceptance sampling supports a decision about a defined lot from a defined sample. It is not a statement that every item was inspected or that an accepted lot contains no defects. Inspection planning should also distinguish visual workmanship, measurements, packing checks and any separate laboratory tests.
Acceptance criteria to agree
Confirm these items in the project specification before making a pass or fail decision. This guide does not set a universal acceptance limit.
| Item | Specify before review |
|---|---|
| Lot definition | Order, style, color and size composition, quantity and the conditions under which items form one lot. |
| Sampling basis | Applicable standard and edition, inspection level, scheme, inspection state and selection procedure. |
| Defect definitions | Agreed categories and examples, including how critical concerns are handled. |
| Plan parameters | Agreed AQL values where applicable, sample size and acceptance/rejection numbers from the selected plan. |
| Disposition and follow-up | Decision authority, reporting requirements, rework, reinspection and applicable switching rules. |
Review method and record
- Identify the lot and confirm the inspection scope with the responsible parties. Do not substitute a convenient set of samples for the agreed selection procedure.
- Confirm the applicable sampling document and edition. Record the inputs used to select the plan and the resulting sample size and decision numbers.
- Inspect the selected units against the current product specification and agreed defect definitions. Retain the observations and affected item references.
- Apply the selected plan as agreed. Separate the inspection result from any commercial concession or additional review requested after the result.
- Document disposition and follow-up. Reinspection after correction needs a defined scope and record; it should not erase the earlier findings.
Common failure modes and prevention
| Failure mode | Preventive review |
|---|---|
| An AQL value quoted without a sampling plan | Record the lot, level, scheme, sample size and decision numbers together. |
| Different inspectors classify the same defect differently | Agree defect descriptions and reference examples before the inspection. |
| A pass result treated as a defect-free guarantee | State the inspected scope and sampling basis with the conclusion. |
Evidence that supports the decision
A useful inspection report identifies the lot, quantity, sampling basis, selected sample, defect counts and descriptions, applicable decision criteria, outcome, reviewer and follow-up. An after-sales issue list can help identify risks but cannot replace a lot inspection record.
Match the record to the material, sample or lot under discussion. See how to evaluate supporting evidence.
Method references
ISO 2859-1:2026 describes AQL-indexed acceptance sampling schemes for inspection by attributes. Confirm the edition required by the project rather than assuming an older reference is current. ISO 2859-1:2026.
The links provide public scope information. Follow the complete agreed method and edition when performing a test; this page does not reproduce a standard or claim a completed test.
Buyer questions
Does AQL mean the allowed percentage of defects in every shipment?
Do not interpret an AQL value as a direct guarantee about the observed defect percentage in each lot. It is a parameter used with the selected sampling scheme and its decision rules.
Can I request a different inspection level or criteria?
State your requirements before inspection planning. The selected plan, scope and acceptance criteria need to be agreed and recorded for the project.
Discuss your project requirements
Send the information below to make the review specific to your product.
- Product, material and specification version.
- The reference or method and acceptance criteria you need.
- Sample or lot identity and the decision to be made.