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.
Need a specification matched, not a list browsed?
Send the format, quantity, material and destination market. We answer against verified records — and tell you when the data is not good enough to answer with.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-17 · build 2026-09-17-tbnpv