At Eurasia Consultis, we inspect factories across China every week—in the kinds of workshops and production lines that serve real-world European buyers. In this article, we’ll show you what a good, reliable Quality Control (QC) checklist looks like in 2025, using traditional, proven methods that work in today’s sourcing environment.
Why QC Checklists Matter More Than Ever
When you’re importing products from China or elsewhere in Asia, a clear and well-prepared QC checklist is your best defense against:
- Defective goods
- Misunderstandings with suppliers
- Returns, refunds, and brand damage
A good checklist makes the expectations clear—for both your supplier and your QC inspector—and helps you avoid surprises before the shipment leaves the factory.
What Should Be Included in a Good QC Checklist?
Here’s what a practical, professional QC checklist looks like—based on what we use with our clients every day.
1. Basic Product Information
This section helps us verify guide our QC, to make sure we have the right batch, correct specifications, quantities etc..
- Product name and SKU
- Purchase Order (PO) number
- Quantity to inspect / total order quantity
- Factory name and contact
2. Visual Inspection Guidelines
This is where you define what “acceptable” looks like.
- Color, size, finish
- Surface quality (no scratches, dents, stains, etc.)
- Overall workmanship (stitching, alignment, painting, assembly)
- Photos or reference samples if available
Tip: Include acceptable tolerances (e.g., “length: 100 cm ± 2 cm”).
3. Functional Tests
You want to know that the product works or performs its intended function.
- Switches and buttons work properly
- Moving parts function smoothly
- Weight, strength, or performance checks (if applicable)
- Power on/off or battery function (for electronics)
Tip: Even basic functional tests can catch major issues.
4. Labeling & Packaging Requirements
Packaging is often where mistakes happen—wrong labels, missing barcodes, or poor-quality boxes.
- Label content (barcode, CE, made-in label, logo)
- Packaging materials (box type, inserts, bags)
- Shipping marks and carton size
- Units per carton and sealing method
Tip: Have a sample photo of correct packaging to compare.
5. Quantity Verification
Make sure the correct quantity is being packed and shipped.
- Count random cartons
- Confirm unit quantity per carton
- Check for underpacking or overpacking
- Flag discrepancies for your final report
6. Defect Classification Table
This helps standardize what counts as a minor, major, or critical defect.
| Type | Example | Result |
| Minor | Slight scratch, color off by 1 tone | Acceptable within limits |
| Major | Incorrect logo, stitching misaligned | May cause return/rejection |
| Critical | Sharp edge, non-functioning product | Automatic rejection |
Tip: Use Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL) standards—Eurasia Consultis can help you define the right one for your product type.
7. Inspector Notes & Photos
At the end of the inspection, the inspector should write a summary and attach photos.
- Notes on any unusual findings
- Photos of the product, packaging, labels, and defects
- Signature and date
Final Word: Keep It Simple, Clear, and Consistent
A QC checklist doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to be complete, easy to follow, and aligned with your expectations. At Eurasia Consultis, we provide our clients with ready-to-use QC checklists tailored to their product and factory type. We also train local inspectors to follow them precisely.
- We speak both your language and the factory’s.
- We check your products before they ship.
- We report back with clear, photo-based inspection reports.
If you’re sourcing from Asia and want to avoid costly mistakes, start by creating the right QC checklist—and let us help you implement it on the ground.