SERVICE
[Link]
GUIDE
sales@[Link] WHEN TIME-TO-MARKET IS CRUCIAL
ABOUT US
Asia Quality Focus (AQF) is a leading quality control service provider, serving global
brands, importers and retailers from more than 135 countries since 2007. With expertise in
hardlines, softlines, consumer electronics, electrical products and industrial goods, AQF delivers
quality control services in 12 countries throughout Asia.
Personalization, speed and product & industry expertise are at the core of the value we provide
our clients. And nothing helps our clients address their unique quality management challenges
better than our digital platform combined with our global client support team.
AQF Online, AQF’s own online data management platform,
gives clients both flexibility and transparency. Personalized
dashboards give them actionable and data-driven insights with
historical and real-time performance at the supplier, PO and SKU
levels. Clients can also review past reports, book services and
even pay invoices within minutes online anytime, anywhere.
Client support is more than providing a user-friendly online experience. That’s why we’re com-
mitted to providing personal attention to clients that need it. Our clients can phone our China
headquarters or any one of our bilingual representatives based in North America, South Ameri-
ca or Europe and talk to a real person. No answering machines. No outsourced call centers.
Just person-to-person solutions.
OUR CERTIFICATIONS
ISO 9001:2015 SMAR LICENSE ID: 248 (PREVIOUSLY
AQSIQ)
AQF is ISO 9001:2015
certified. Our quality After the China's massive government
management system is based on ISO/IEC institutional reform in 2018, the General
17020:2012, CNAS-CI01&02 and ISO 9001: Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
2015 standards. Quarantine (AQSIQ) was abolished, and its functions
have generally been assumed by the State Administration
AQF quality management system pillars: for Market Regulation (SAMR) and partly been assumed
to the General Administration of Customs (GACC).
• Customer focus
• Leadership An organization must first be SMAR licensed before it can
perform inspections and audits in China. The government
• Engagement of people
agency's review of the submission is strict—less than one-
• Process approach quarter of all applicants globally are generally granted
• Improvement the license each year.
• Evidence-based decision-making
AQF is one of the few companies that are SMAR licensed
• Relationship management
for inspections in China. We continue to prioritize the
ongoing reliability of our quality control services. And this
license further acknowledges AQF’s expertise in quality
control.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
2
PART OF
WORMS SAFETY ALLIANCE
Since 2014, AQF has been a part of the Worms Safety alliance of quality
management specialists. This gives you exclusive access to a more complete
array of quality management and testing services.
You benefit from a global network of specialized partners, each offering
unique expertise in diverse industries, including:
Household goods Toys Textiles and apparel
Health, personal care Aviation Product compliance
and cosmetics and certification
You’ll enjoy the clarity and protection that comes from product-specific
expertise and solutions tailored to fit your unique challenges.
5 Billion
products controlled
3000+
customers
1400
collaborators globally
80
countries
15
laboratories
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
3
PRODUCT
INSPECTION
The most effective way of preventing last minute quality related delays is to
inspect and monitor the product early in the manufacturing process.
By initiating a starting inspection weeks or even months before your shipment is
due, we can ensure the quality and timely delivery of your merchandise is
never in jeopardy.
AMAZON FBA
INSPECTION
Amazon is one of the world’s largest
e-commerce marketplaces, and Fulfillment by
Amazon (FBA) is an excellent logistics service
for sellers on Amazon. FBA enables Amazon
sellers to use Amazon warehouses, fulfillment
centers, and to potentially reach more clients.
However, following FBA requirements is not
easy as it changes constantly, and any
incompliance will lead to fine, delays, or even
account closure.
FEATURE CHECK
That's why we introduce Amazon FBA
Inspection as the added-value solution to • Labeling
Amazon sellers.
• Wrapping
As an extension of the standard inspection • Packaging
service, Amazon FBA Inspection will also focus • Shipping
on FBA requirements while covering general
• Labels
inspection points like appearance and function.
AQF inspectors will use an FBA checklist to • Barcodes
verify your product labels, packaging, and any • Specifications for products requiring
special requirements per Amazon's high Special Approval
standards.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
4
DURING PRODUCTION /
DUPRO INSPECTION
During production (DUPRO) inspections FEATURE CHECK
not only check the initial products coming
off the line in a manner consistent with • Early knowledge of potential issues to
correct a minor problem before it turns
our pre-shipment inspection techniques.
into a major one—the most effective
But they also verify and document the
way of ensuring product quality and
status of raw materials, components, and preventing last minute delays
partially finished goods.
• Rigorous inspection of the initial
You will receive a report containing finished product AND raw materials,
information about production flow, components and partially finished goods
equipment use, production capacity and
• Clear presentation of production flow,
any potential issues or bottlenecks—all in
capacity and equipment use
an easy-to-understand format.
• Assurance that factory staff clearly
After reviewing the findings with you, we understand necessary corrective actions
will help you take any necessary to implement
corrective or preventative actions,
ensuring factory management • Reporting that gives you an in-depth
understands next steps to implement. Key understanding of the manufacturing
process and increases the knowledge
elements of during production inspection
base within your organization
are:
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
5
PRE-SHIPMENT
INSPECTION
Pre-shipment inspection, or final inspection, generally AQF staff are standing by at every step of the process
occurs when 80–100 percent of the goods are to answer your questions and engage the factory on
finished at the factory, just prior to shipment. It’s your behalf to help manage any quality or production
designed to catch any quality issues with your issues. Key elements of pre-shipment inspection are:
finished products and packaging before shipping.
This is also the most common solution international
brands require because it gives a statistical view of
FEATURE CHECK
the quality of the products at the end of production.
• Inspection initiated when 80-100 percent of the
Insight at this critical moment helps you make an
merchandise is complete
informed shipping decision.
• Goods inspected based on industry standards
AQF will send an expert team of our local QC
inspectors to your supplier’s factory to inspect your
• Thorough on-site testing of material, performance
merchandise based on internationally recognized
and function as relates to your product
AQL (ANSI / ASQ Z1.4-2003) standards. We
review your goods on site through a variety of
• Assurance, prior to shipment, that goods meet
industry-standard tests and measures. Our inspection
your quality expectations and other requirements
confirms whether the material, performance, function
and overall quality meet your specifications.
If you’re unsure about which specifications your
products should meet, senior AQF quality assurance
staff will develop standards and documentation on
your behalf.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
6
PRODUCTION
MONITORING
If your supplier has failed multiple Production monitoring allows you to
pre-shipment inspections for the same drastically reduce the amount of defective
recurring defects, you may want to consider items that are packaged and
production monitoring services from AQF. shipped–saving you both time and money.
Unlike pre-shipment inspections, production
monitoring doesn’t take a random sample of FEATURE CHECK
a finished order. Instead, we inspect your
products at multiple points on the assembly • AQF’s technical team examine an
line before packaging. When inspectors approved sample of your product and
identify defects, they remove the affected record all dimensions, product markings,
units from the line and separate them for shipper carton markings and functions.
rework or other corrective action in
accordance with your quality standards. • Our technical team create a comprehensive
QC checklist with your quality standards.
This ensures inspectors check the critical
aspects of your product at the appropriate
points during each stage of production.
• We train our inspectors to identify and
communicate all defects found to your
supplier. These staff are on the factory floor
any time your goods are being produced.
• Inspectors issue you daily reports to keep
you constantly informed of the types and
quantity of defects found in your items
before the shipment ever leaves the factory.
• Whether you decide to accept shipment,
request that certain defects be remedied or
require reworking, AQF will monitor and
follow up on the factory’s implementation of
your decision.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
7
CONTAINER
LOADING SUPERVISION
You may need added assurance that your goods are
protected from theft, mishandling and incorrect
loading. An AQF team can visit your supplier’s
factory, the port or other third-party logistics area to
ensure your goods are properly loaded before
shipping. You’ll receive detailed reporting of the
process with photos.
This service is particularly valuable if you’re shipping
or damage to your reputation. Key elements of
container loading supervision include:
FEATURE CHECK
• Protection from theft, mishandling or incorrect
loading of goods
• Assurance of proper loading and packing
assortment when shipping goods directly to your
own customer
TECHNICAL
COMPLIANCE FILE
OUR TCF ADVANTAGES:
constantly changing product compliance and
regulation requirements. A Technical Compliance File • Reliable proof of compliance
invalid or missing document to ensure your product • Quality Management visibility
compliance.
• Flexible resource allocation
AQF's dedicate team with 15+ years of experience is
• Preparedness in case of recalls or claims
here to help you meet your target market’s local
regulations and optimize your quality management • Rapid, one-click response to authorities
systems at the same time.
• Increased consumer satisfaction
Using a digital Product ID, AQF will check the latest
Pricing starts at $95
(TCF) will be available for up to 10 years.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
8
SAMPLE PICKING
You may need to collect a sample of goods from
your manufacturer’s facility. You may need samples
for review, lab testing or just to establish that your
supplier correctly understands your requirements.
The problem with asking your supplier to send you
samples is that it’s hard to be sure the samples are
representative.
Often a supplier will choose only the best units or
those they know will meet requirements. Later you
might find the quality, condition or characteristics
of the finished goods you or your customers
ultimately receive differ from the sample you
collected earlier.
By hiring an independent party like AQF to pick
samples instead, you can be assured our team will
randomly pull samples on site. This ensures the
results of any sample testing or review are
representative and impartial.
PRODUCT
DESTRUCTION
It’s almost always easier to addressing any quality We’ll coordinate destruction and ensure its total
defects and other problems with your product effectiveness to protect you and your customers
earlier, rather than later. But issues can affect most with the following:
or all of the finished goods, despite your best
efforts. When problems are serious and rework is SERVICE OVERVIEW
impractical, you may be left with a large quantity
of goods you can’t sell. • Defect sorting: we’ll ensure every defective
unit is accounted for and separated for
If you can’t salvage the substandard merchandise, destruction
it can end up doing more harm than good. Any
safety concerns with the product could pose • Coordinating an appropriate destruction
hazards to consumers. And even if your supplier method: we’ll work with your supplier to
sells them without your knowledge, the goods can choose a proper site and the necessary
still hurt your reputation if they have your branding equipment for destruction
or labeling.
• Supervising and documenting destruction:
AQF’s supervised product destruction may be your we’ll observe the destruction process and
best available solution in cases like these. issue you a complete report of results with
quantities and photos
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
9
INDUSTRIAL
INSPECTION SERVICES
Industrial projects often have their own set of
unique quality challenges in related to scale,
complexity and strict time frames. Industrial
products often have a greater need to resist
wear and tear than consumer goods. They also
often rely on highly precise specifications in
order to operate properly.
Whether your product is a wind turbine that
stands 100 feet tall or a steel propeller moving
a freighter along the ocean from 30 feet below
the surface, industrial products require
inspection by skilled engineers.
If your customers are relying on you to provide
a quality product in every shipment, then don’t
settle for inspection companies that use
untrained and underpaid local inspectors. PRODUCT CATEGORIES
AQF’s industrial division teams are composed • Maritime equipment
of experienced professionals, often with an • Intermodal freight containers
engineering background, trained to inspect a • Gantry cranes
specific category of industrial products. We’ll • Reach stackers
ensure you have the right team for the job and • Marine vessels
that your industrial products are carefully and • Advanced corrosion services
thoroughly evaluated.
• Power & utilities
Aside from professional oversight of your • Wind, hydro and nuclear turbines
industrial goods via QC inspection, you might • Wind turbine blades
also benefit from AQF’s experience with • Steam generators
product testing, including: • Reactor vessels
• Function • Industrial equipment
• Diagnostic • Storage vessels
• Coating thickness • Cranes
• Material composition • Metallurgical equipment
Our technical specialists can also work with you
• Asia oil & gas
to develop new testing procedures and quality
• Oil platforms
standards to check your product based on
• Drill pipes
different conditions for operation.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
10
SUPPLIER
QUALIFICATION AUDIT
Many importers consider an audit the last step in the We can even provide a corrective action plan (CAP)
sourcing process. A supplier qualification audit can and perform a follow-up audit to confirm the status of
help you cost-effectively narrow your list of potential corrective actions if needed.
suppliers or ensure you’re working with the right one.
Supplier qualification audits include the following
AQF’s supplier qualification audit evaluates and key elements:
rates the facility based on 25 scoring checkpoints
following internal standards ISO 9001 and SA8000
and covering various areas of the facility.
FEATURE CHECK
Key areas checked during a supplier qualification
• A detailed yet easy-to-understand overview of
audit include business license and relevant
documentation, overview of quality management your supplier’s capabilities complete with
systems, manufacturing capabilities, working photos of workshops, warehouses and major
conditions and more. equipment
Reporting is designed to cover exactly what you • Factory evaluation covering 25 scoring
need to know to make an informed decision about checkpoints of the facility
using a particular supplier. We can customize
evaluations to answer any specific concerns you may • Fully customizable evaluations designed to
have and more closely examine any areas of the answer specific questions about a facility
factory that are particularly relevant to your project.
• AQF findings reviewed in detail with your team
AQF staff review the findings in detail with your team
and can help communicate any follow-up questions and help with any supplier communication as
you may have. An audit may also include meetings needed
with factory management to explain ideas or product
concepts and obtain feedback.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
11
EXTENSIVE
FACTORY AUDIT
A supplier qualification audit is often adequate • Design control
for importers who just want to see a broad • Purchasing control
overview of their supplier’s facility. It offers • Storage management
insight into general supplier information, • Incoming inspection
necessary licenses, employee relations, • Production control
organizational structure and basic facilities and • Finished goods inspection & testing
production equipment. • Measuring and testing equipment control
• Resource management
• Social & environmental responsibility
But when you need a more thorough audit,
you’ll benefit from AQF’s extensive factory audit.
Reports include a findings summary with a clear
An extensive factory audit includes all of the
breakdown of points possible and earned in each area
same checks as a supplier qualification audit, as
and their contribution to the overall audit result. This
well as an in-depth check of the factory’s quality
makes it easy to interpret results at a glance and quickly
management system, including:
identify any areas of the facility that need improvement.
Supplier Qualification Audit Extensive Factory Audit
AUDIT FEATURES
1 Man day 2 Man days
General factory profile
Facility walk-through
Photos of building and equipment
Review of key documents
Review of quality system
Detailed count of machines
Continued improvement
IN-DEPTH CHECK OF QUALITY SYSTEM:
Design control
Purchasing control
Storage management
Incoming inspection
Production control
Final product inspection & testing
Control of measuring & testing equipment
Resource management
Social environment responsibility
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
12
COMPLIANCE
AUDITING
AQF can help ensure your suppliers’ practices, Key auditing frameworks of our compliance
facilities and paperwork meet the requirements of programs include:
governing bodies, major retailers and other
compliance frameworks.
FEATURE CHECK
To determine adherence to social compliance,
• Social compliance to meet standards of major
quality, security or environmental standards, AQF
brands/retailers or SA8000
auditors can visit your supplier, report on current
conditions and uncover any issues and deficiencies.
• Quality systems compliance with ISO 9001
AQF employs auditors certified in a number of
compliance frameworks who can work on your
• Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
behalf to:
(C-TPAT)
SERVICE OVERVIEW • Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
• Access the level of compliance at the facility • Environmental management system (EMS)
compliance with ISO 14001
• Identify any specific areas of concern and
deficiencies requiring corrective action • British Retail Consortium (BRC)
• Discuss violations with relevant factory staff and
management to promote compliance
improvement
• Follow-up with future site visits as needed to
reassess compliance and report on progress
AQF staff will be readily available throughout the
process to report back to you on the status at the
factory and to address your questions and concerns.
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
13
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Importers can sometimes benefit from technical support on projects. Rather than hiring your own full-time
staff at home or abroad, you might benefit from working with AQF’s technical team on tasks including:
SERVICE OVERVIEW
• In-house sample review and testing for when you need to check a sample quickly but don’t require a
laboratory with sophisticated equipment
• Product specification or document translation to ensure language barriers don’t interfere with you getting
your ideal product
• Vendor manual drafting to set establish deliverables and accountability between you and your suppliers
QC DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT
Do you feel that clear quality requirements and testing suppliers quickly, if needed, without feeling beholden to, or
standards are missing from your buyer-supplier relationships? overly invested in any one manufacturing partner.
Quality control checklists are a valuable tool manufacturers Checklists can also be a powerful tool for salespeople to
rely on to maintain consistent standards. Checklists include demonstrate your commitment to quality to potential
the requirements and expectations for your merchandise customers.
related to product materials, performance, safety, function,
potential defects and packaging. AQF can give you a competitive advantage through
detailed, yet easy-to-understand, QC checklists. Our
Having such documentation doesn’t just help prevent technical team will work with you, combining our experience
misunderstandings about your product that can lead to and existing industry standards with any of your own
quality problems. It also gives you the freedom to switch product requirements for a tailored approach.
8.1 SECTION 5: ON-SITE TESTS
Sample
No. Checkpoint Checkpoint Instruction Tolerance Result
size
1. Knife 2* Apply a force shown to the item as shown in the below tables. No crack, break or
Strength For thin flexible blades, always apply a force of 25N ± 1N permanent
Test regardless of their length. deformation of more
than 3°
A thin flexible blade (e.g. slicing knife) is defined as a blade,
which when each side in turn is forced down at an angel of
45° on a plain until flat over 50% of its length, remains
undamaged and does not acquire a permanent set in excess of
3°.
2. Blade Tip 2* Apply bending force in vertical position (10 degree arc each No evidence of
Check side of vertical position, N/A to heavy knives). permanent
deformation
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
14
PRODUCT
LAB TESTING
If you’ve ever tried to arrange lab testing for your
products, you may have had a frustrating experience.
Repeated emails to clarify requirements and
coordinate testing can waste your time and delay
shipments.
With lab testing via AQF Online, you’ll enjoy a
convenient user-friendly booking experience where
you can arrange the testing you need in minutes.
Choose from existing “basic” or “advanced” testing
packages or from a catalog of more than 100 tests,
based on your unique needs and budget.
Our partner lab has more than 20 years of
experience with more than 70,000 tests performed
on over 120,000 products. The lab also holds the
following accreditations and certificates:
LAB ACCREDITATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
• HOKLAS Certificate of Accredited Laboratory
• ISO 17025 certificate
• Hong-Kong Association for Testing, Inspection and Certification (HKTIC) Membership certificate
• CNAS accreditation for Ningbo Lab
• Chinese Accredited Bodies Certificate of Membership
• COFRAC (France) Lab Testing Accreditation Certificate
The following are examples of the kind of product testing we regularly perform:
TESTING CATEGORIES
• ASTM F963 testing for toys
• EN 14878: flammability fiber composition for textiles
• EN 12520: domestic seating strength, durability and safety requirements for furniture
• REACH regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Annex XVII for gifts and premium goods
• CPSIA Section 108: for phthalate content
• DIN 54231: carcinogenic and allergenic disperse dyes
[Link] | sales@[Link] | YouTube: Asia Quality Focus | LinkedIn: Asia Quality Focus
15