Factory QC · Inspections · Loading checks
Factory QC inspections for furniture, lighting and décor
Overview
Problems found at the factory cost days. Problems found on site cost months. We inspect FF&E at each stage of production, against approved samples and drawings, and check every container before it is sealed.
Inspections can follow a sourcing trip, or be booked on their own for orders you placed directly.
- Stages
- Pre-production · During · Pre-shipment · Loading
- Sampling
- AQL to ISO 2859-1
- Typical AQL
- Critical 0 · Major 2.5 · Minor 4.0
- Report
- Photos, measurements, pass/fail
Four inspection stages
Each stage catches a different kind of problem. Most hospitality orders need at least the pre-production approval and a pre-shipment inspection; large or custom orders benefit from all four.
| Stage | When | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-production approval | Before mass production | Materials, finishes and the first piece against the approved sample and drawings; sign-off before the line starts. |
| During-production inspection | Part-way through production | Construction, dimensions and finish on pieces coming off the line, so problems are fixed while there is still time. |
| Pre-shipment inspection | When most of the order is finished and packed | Random sample to AQL: appearance, dimensions, function, labelling and packing against the order. |
| Container loading check | At loading | Carton count against the packing list, container condition (clean, dry, no holes), stacking and bracing, and the seal number recorded. |
AQL sampling, explained simply
AQL (acceptance quality limit) sampling, set out in ISO 2859-1 and the equivalent ANSI Z1.4, decides how many pieces to inspect from a batch and how many defects are acceptable. It is the standard way to inspect large orders without opening every carton.
For furniture and other hard goods, common limits are 0 for critical defects (anything unsafe), 2.5 for major defects (anything a guest would notice or that affects use) and 4.0 for minor defects. We agree the limits with you before the inspection.
Furniture tests on site
Beyond visual checks, an inspection can include practical tests that suit the product.
- Timber moisture readings
- Stability, load and function checks
- Finish adhesion and colour against the approved sample
- Carton drop tests for packing strength
- Dimensions against drawings
- Fire labels and certificates for upholstery
Where lab testing is needed, products are tested to the standard in the specification, for example EN 1728 or EN 12520 for strength and stability, BIFMA for office seating, or BS 5852 and BS 7176 for fire performance of upholstered seating.
Fire safety for UAE projects
The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code requires upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpets and curtains in many buildings to be approved for fire performance. We check that fabrics, foams and finished pieces carry the right test certificates before they ship, because replacing them after arrival is slow and costly.
The exact requirement depends on the building and the authority, so we confirm it with the project team at the start.
What every inspection includes
Checks against approved samples
Every inspection is measured against what you approved, not against the factory’s standard.
Photo report
Photos, measurements, defects found and a clear pass, hold or fail, sent the same day where possible.
Re-inspection
When an inspection fails, the factory reworks and we check again before goods ship.
Loading supervision
Container condition, stacking, count and seal checked and photographed.
Certificates
Fire and test certificates collected and checked against the specification.
Several countries
Inspections where your factories are: China, Indonesia, India, Europe, Turkey and the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Can you inspect an order we placed ourselves?
Yes. Send the purchase order, approved samples or drawings and the factory contact, and we arrange the inspection at the stage you need.
What happens if the inspection fails?
You get the report with photos and the defects found. The factory reworks or replaces the affected pieces, and we inspect again before the goods are released.
Which AQL levels should we use?
Common levels for furniture are 0 for critical, 2.5 for major and 4.0 for minor defects. Some buyers use a stricter limit for flagship projects. We agree this with you before the inspection.
Do you test for fire performance?
We check that upholstery, foam and fabric certificates match the specification and the project’s fire requirements, and arrange lab tests where the specification calls for them.
Book a factory inspection
Send the purchase order, approved samples or drawings, the factory location and your shipping date. We reply with the inspection plan and next steps. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Gulf Standard Time). Closed on Sunday.