# AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) - what it means in sourcing | Che

> The sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) defining allowed defects per inspected lot. Level and inspection points must be agreed before production; after shipment

Source: https://luressource.com/glossary/aql/

AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) Direct answer AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit): The sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) defining allowed defects per inspected lot. Level and inspection points must be agreed before production; after shipment a defect is a negotiation. Key facts It depends on what a defect costs you. During production, not only before shipment. The sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) defining allowed defects per inspected lot. What it changes for you Level and inspection points must be agreed before production; after shipment a defect is a negotiation. In practice AQL is the Acceptable Quality Limit, the sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) that defines how many defects are permitted in an inspected lot. It applies when a defect would cost you more than the inspection. The level and the inspection points must be agreed before production, because a defect found after shipment is a negotiation rather than a remedy. Questions about AQL Do I need an AQL inspection for a tackle order? It depends on what a defect costs you. If a returned batch costs more than an inspection man-day, it is cheap insurance. The level and the inspection points have to be agreed before production to be enforceable. When should the inspection happen? During production, not only before shipment. Pre-shipment inspection catches problems after the money is spent; a during-production check is where you can still change the outcome. Other terms FOB (Free On Board) - Seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port; cost and risk transfer there. EXW (Ex Works) - Buyer collects at the factory gate. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) - The smallest quantity a factory will run for one specification. Tooling cost - The one-off cost of the injection mould, die or print plate. Colourway tolerance - The measured range a factory will hold between sample and repeat production. HS heading 9507 - The Harmonized System heading covering fishing rods, hooks, reels and artificial bait. Send a specification All 14 terms Sources ISO 2859-1 - the sampling standard behind AQL inspection Where to next Product catalogue Sample listings with price per unit Verified directory Factories that passed 4 verification gates How sourcing works Six steps, timing, failure modes Price benchmark Reference bands and MOQ tiers