Our Services
Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)
Our inspectors can perform a final random inspection comprising of a detailed visual inspection of goods before shipment. It is generally conducted on the premises of the manufacturer, on samples selected according to defined sampling procedures.
The inspection criteria covering quality, quantity, marking and packing are based on the client's specifications and reference samples, as provided. Upon completion of the final random inspection, a detailed inspection report is sent to the client and the inspection certificate issued to the supplier if all findings are positive.
Pre-shipment Inspection can be chosen as an independent service or for a tighter check on the production, the PSI service can be offered in conjunction with the "Initial Production Check" and "In-Process Quality Check."
Factory Audit (FA)
The Factory Audit is performed by our auditor team following a general framework designed after international standard and completed, when requested, with the client's specific requirements. The audit takes at least one full day and begins with a request for documentation. The factory management is assessed. One of the documents reviewed is the Quality Manual. The grantor of the certificate is scrutinized as the periodic reviews. The factory is required to submit documents similar to the part being considered for production.
The auditor inspects the factory beginning with raw material storage and incoming inspection. Tooling workshops are inspected too. The auditor then "walks" the Quality Control Plan through every manufacturing process. The last steps of the factory inspection are final test, packaging and laboratory areas. By the end of the auditing day, the auditor knows if the quality systems claimed by the factory are in practice and if the management is committed to constant improvement.
Initial Production Check (IPC)
Our inspection team can perform a visual inspection of products as available at the beginning of the production cycle against a client's instructions and Purchase Order specifications. The "Initial Production Check" when combined with a "Final Random Inspection" and any other on-line production checks, helps in taking corrective actions at an early stage of production cycle. Our inspection team will send out intermediary reports to the client and keep them informed about the production progress relative to the delivery terms.
During Production Check (DUPRO)
The DUPRO provides the on-line inspection, our qualified inspectors will check that the corrections and improvements suggested during the IPC were implemented, examine the existing productions, advised the manufacturers of any further corrections or improvements to be made. The DUPRO should be carried out when 30-50% of the merchandise has been produced. In this service, our inspectors will on-line check the production materials, process, semi-finished and finished products. During Production Inspection (DUPRO) is applied to guarantee uniformity of the actual production and specification.
Container Loading Supervision (CLS)
To further manage the product delivery, our inspection team offers Loading Supervision which involves, "as appropriate," the checking of the container condition, identification of the loaded packing units with the previously inspected consignment, tallying of the total number of shipping packing units and sealing of the container.
Laboratory Testing (LT)
Sometimes, on top of the Quality Inspection, Products need to be get a formal Certification of conformity according to your local regulations.
TCA can manage efficiently the testing of your production samples in liaison with adequate independent laboratories.
For each type of Certification needed (COA, COS, C-tick, A-tick, MEPS, ...), we will select the Laboratory that qualifies best for both price and leadtime.
Method of acceptance sampling
This proven method is widely used to decide whether or not to accept or reject a production lot without checking every single items of the lot. Performed on randomly-selected sample items, once the production lot has been completed and packed, this standard is recognized by every industrial company.
Acceptance sampling is not an alternative to process improvement. Instead it should complement improvement efforts by providing incentives. It also serves as a temporary measure for ensuring quality until successful improvements are made.
Alternatives
There are five possible alternatives to acceptance sampling:
- Release all lots without any inspection,
- Discard all lots without any inspection,
- 100% inspection of all lots,
- Accept sample, reject discarded lots,
- Accept sample with 100% inspection of rejected lots.
Focus on Acceptable Quality Levels
TCA quality inspectors use the ISO 2859 tables (also known as AQL tables) to measure acceptable levels of quality. These tables are a US standard with equivalents in all national and international standardization organizations (ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, ISO 2859, NF06-022, BS 6001, DIN 40080).
How do I determine the right sample size and acceptance number?
For a hypothetical inspection of a 4,000-unit lot, with an Acceptable Quality Level of II, Table B indicates that the sampling size should be 200 units. For an AQL of 2.5, the corresponding acceptance number is 10.
What does this mean in concrete terms?
If the number of defective units is higher than 10, the lot has to be rejected. If the lot is accepted, this means that there are 95 % chances to have less than 5 % (10/200) deffects in the whole inspected lot.
What should I do with defective or discarded lots?
Defective items found as part of 100% inspection can be discarded, repaired or replaced. You may also opt to sell the discarded lot at a discount.
TABLE B
Inspection glossary
Acceptance Sampling
Acceptance Sampling is used to decide whether to accept or reject a production lot. It is performed once the production lot has been completed and packed. Basic procedures for Acceptance Sampling:
- select a sample from a production lot,
- inspect the units in the sample,
- use the result to decide whether or not to accept or reject the lot.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Levels)
TCA inspectors use the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) to establish a maximum allowable error rate or variation from the standard. Acceptance testing will cease immediately if the failure rate of the product being tested exceeds the minimum Acceptable Quality Level.
Batch/Lot
A batch or lot is a collection of products – all identical in size, type, conditions and time of production – from which a sample will be taken to decide whether or not it conforms to the acceptance inspection.
Critical Defect
The Critical Defect corresponds to a defect likely to result in unsafe conditions for end-users. You can provide your own list of critical defects to be inspected. TCA’s default Critical Defect AQL is 0.
Defects detected during inspections are generally classified in 3 categories:
- Critical defect
- Major defect
- Minor defect
Inspection Level
This reference determines the relation between the size of the lot and the size of the sample inspected. The Quality Level may be chosen between I, II, or III.
ISO
ISO is the International Organization for Standardization founded in 1946 to promote the development of international standards and related activities, including conformity assessment, to facilitate the exchange of goods and services worldwide. ISO is composed of member bodies from over 90 countries and covers all areas except those related to electrical and electronic engineering, which are covered by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The results of ISO's technical work are published as International Standards or Guides.
Lot size
The lot size is the total number of units available for random sampling. The lot size only includes packed products.
Major Defect
This AQL corresponds to any defect, excluding Critical Defects, that is likely to result in failure, or reduced usability of the product unit. A product is said to have a Major Defect when it is not dangerous but cannot be sold because of the defect. You can provide your own list of Major Defects to be inspected. ChinaInspection’s default Major Defect AQL is 2.5.
MIL-STD 105E/ ABC-STD 105
ChinaInspection inspectors use the ISO 2859 tables for sampling. The tables are recognized by every industrial company. This American standard has equivalents in all national and international standardization organizations. This standard is a proven method to accept or reject a production lot by inspecting a randomly selected number of products.
Minor Defect
This AQL corresponds to a defect that is not likely to reduce the usability of the product unit for its intended purpose, or is a departure from established standards having little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit. A Minor Defect is nevertheless a workmanship defect beyond the defined quality standard. You can provide your own list of Minor Defects to be inspected. ChinaInspection’s default Minor Defect AQL is 4.0.
Rejection number
The Rejection Number is equal to the acceptance number + 1 and represents the maximum allowable defective units. If the total number of sampled products presenting this type of defect is equal or superior to the rejection number, the production has failed.
Sampling Level
The Sampling Level represents the global accuracy level of the Sampling Method. For a given lot size, increasing the Quality Level means increasing the Sample Size. This improves accuracy but also increases the time needed to complete the inspection. The Quality Level may be chosen between I, II, or III. TCA’s default Quality Level is II.
Sampling size
The sampling size is the total number of units to be inspected.
Sample size code letter
The sample size code letter is the link between AQL tables A and B.
Special Inspection Level
The Special Inspection Level is used instead of the general inspection level when the production has to be operationally inspected. The special inspection level can range from S1, S2, S3 or S4.
Charge for inspection services
The inspection charge is quoted on a man-day basis. The number of man-days involved depends on the product complexity, shipment quantity, inspection location and specification requirements. Additional expenses such as traveling, accommodation will be charged separately.
Manday means one inspector works a day (8 hours). How many mandays we need depend on the product complexity, and inspection sample size which need random inspection. Traveling cost will be reimbursed for actual expenses. So for exact quotation, we need to know the product, product quantity and factory location.
The total inspection fee = manday rate x days + actual traveling cost
Terms and conditions
1. General
1.1 Unless otherwise specifically and expressly agreed in writing by Testing & Certification Australia (hereinafter called “TCA”), all services provided by TCA are governed by the following general conditions of service, which prevail any purchase terms and conditions.
1.2 Services carried out by TCA, on behalf of an entity or individual from whom the instructions to act have originated ( hereinafter called the “Principal”) will be carried out by using techniques and processes that permit an independent, impartial and objective approach. The end result of the Service will consist in a certificate or document (hereinafter called the “Report”) communicating the collection of information TCA has been requested to supply and will be delivered as a fax, a written document or an online report.
1.3 No other party than the Principal shall be entitled to give instructions to TCA, particularly on the scope of inspection or delivery of Report, unless so authorized by the Principal.
2. Provision of services
2.1 TCA in the capacity of an independent third party, supplies information in the form of ascertainment or recommendations for the special purpose of contributing to the prevention of the risks to which the beneficiaries of its services are exposed, and of helping them assure the quality of their products. TCA’s services (hereinafter called the “Services”) consist of work performed by TCA, including but not limited to :
factories audit;
pre-production inspections and quality control of the products;
pre-shipment inspections and quality control;
container loading inspections;
during production inspections
3. TCA’s obligations and undertakings
3.1 TCA expressly reserves the right to act at its own discretion in accepting or declining a request for service, and cannot be compelled to accept or be held liable for declining a request for services or for products :
Falling out of its scope of activity or specialisation ;
Presenting geographical accessibility problems, such as services to be rendered or products to be found in restricted or highly remote areas ;
Requiring TCA to obtain special permissions to operate such as governmental permissions.
3.2 TCA undertakes to supply the Services it has accepted to carry out in a professional and timely manner, in accordance with proper professional practice and in compliance with :
The Principal’s special instructions when ordering the Service and as confirmed by TCA – the terms of reference should be duly signed by the Principal and TCA -, and in the absence of such instructions:
Any relevant professional standard, trade custom, usage or practice ;
Such methods as TCA shall consider appropriate on technical, operational and/or financial grounds.
3.3 TCA shall exercise due care and skill in the selection and assignment of its personnel.
4. Principal’s obligations and undertakings
4.1 To take all reasonable steps to assure TCA has access to the site and materials on which Service will be based ;
4.2 To provide TCA with all information and samples, as well as the documents necessary to complete requested Service, in a timely manner (and in any event not later than 48 hours prior to the desired intervention), except for generally available documents such as codes and standards, either directly or through suppliers or agents of the Principal ;
4.3 To insure that adequate instructions and notice are given to TCA in due time to facilitate proper performance for the Service requested ;
4.4 To advise TCA of the date on which the Services are to commence, or to be resumed, and also of essential dates affecting the item(s) for which Services are being rendered ;
4.5 Generally to render all reasonable assistance to TCA in providing necessary instructions, information, documents, safety and security information in connection with the working conditions, required equipment and access (as the case may be).
4.6 Documents reflecting engagements between the Principal and third parties or third parties’ documents - if received by TCA - are considered to be for information only and do not extend or restrict the scope of the services or obligations accepted by TCA.
5. Invoicing, fees and payment
5.1 Unless otherwise agreed invoices for Services performed by TCA are payable immediately upon receipt, each party bearing its own bank charges. Late payment will incur an interest charge at 1.5% per month, or fraction thereof.
5.2. Cancellation charges : we accept cancellation until 3 pm (China Time) the day before the projected Inspection date. After this limit, the Services booked will be charged in full.
TCA advises its clients to then re-charge this cost to their factory when the factory is proved to be mistaken.
5.3 In the event that TCA is being prevented from performing or completing in full requested Services, for any reason beyond its control, such as but not limited to, wrong information given by Client or Factory (e.g. goods not ready for Inspection despite information given by Factory,...), the Principal agrees to :
5.3.1 Reimburse any expenditure, and out of pocket expenses made or incurred in relation to this Service ;
5.3.2 Pay proportion of fees due for Services actually rendered and to release TCA from all responsibility for partial or non-performance of the Services.
5.4. In the event when the Inspection must be cancelled on the projected Inspection day, because of wrong information given by Client or Factory (e.g. goods not ready for Inspection despite information given by Factory,...), the man-day will be considered spent, and TCA will charge full fee to Client as a 'missed Inspection' fee. TCA advises its clients to then re-charge this cost to their factory when the factory is proved to be mistaken.
6. Liability and indemnification
6.1 Limitation of liability
6.1.1 TCA is neither an insurer nor a guarantor and disclaims such capacity. Clients seeking a guarantee against loss or damage should obtain appropriate insurance.
6.1.2 Subject to the Principal’s instructions as accepted by TCA (as specified in the terms of reference), TCA will issue the Report relating to the facts as recorded by it within the limits of the instructions received and on the basis of the documents and information provided by the Principal (refer to ■4 above), but TCA is under no obligation to report upon any facts or circumstances which are outside the specific scope of its assignment.
6.1.3 TCA advice is given only in relation to documents and information provided by the Principal, and TCA cannot be held liable if it has received incomplete or erroneous information.
6.1.4 In the event of false information being given to TCA by a third party, TCA accepts no liability.
6.1.5 TCA undertakes to use its best efforts and to exercise due care and skill in the performance of its Services, and accepts liability only in case of negligence proven by the Principal.
6.2 Indemnification
6.2.1 In the event of TCA being held liable in respect of any claim for loss, damage or expense of whatsoever nature and however arising, its liability to the Principal shall in no circumstances exceed ten times the total aggregate sum of fees paid for the specific Services for which a claim is made.
6.2.2 In addition, in case of the Service of pre-shipment inspections :
Where less than 100% of the production is complete, our responsability will only extend to those items completed at the time of inspection ;
The Report does not evidence shipment.
6.2.3 The Principal shall guarantee and indemnify TCA and its servants, agents or subcontractors against all claims made by third parties for loss, damage or expense of whatsoever nature arising, relating to the performance or non-performance of any service, to the extent that the total sum of such claims exceed the limitation of liability mentioned in Article 6.2.1.
6.3 In the event of any claim, notice must be given to TCA headquarters within seven days following discovery of the facts, or three months from the completion of the TCA Service.
7. Termination of services
AI shall be entitled to automatically either terminate and/or suspend provision of services in the event that :
7.1 The Principal commits any material breach of its obligations under these terms and conditions and/or the terms of reference and (if such breach shall be capable of remedy) fails to make good such breach within ten (10) days of receipt of notice served by the Non-Defaulting Party (AI) requiring it so to do. Material breaches include, without limitation any wilful and deliberate breach by the Principal of its obligations under clause 4 hereabove ;
7.2 The principal is insolvent or unable to pay its debts, in suspension of payments, or convenes a meeting of or compounds with its creditors or has a receiving order made against it or (other than for the purposes of bona fide amalgamation or reconstruction) has an order made or a resolution passed for its winding up or for the appointment of an administrator to manage its affairs, business and property or has a receiver or administrative receiver appointed over any of its assets or undertaking or if TCA takes or suffers any similar or analogous action in consequence of debt.
8. Miscellaneous
8.1 The Report will reflect findings of the Service at the time and place of Service. This Report does not discharge sellers and suppliers from their legal and/or commercial obligations towards the principle.
9. Applicable and Governing law, Jurisdiction and settlement of dispute
9.1 Unless otherwise provided, these terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Hong Kong Law.
9.2 All disputes or differences of any kind whatsoever between the parties in connection with or arising out of the services shall be submitted to the non exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong.
10. Language
These terms and conditions have been drafted in English. In case of discrepancy, the English version shall be controlling for all purposes.