Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)
Candlefocus EditorThe concept of an AQL can be traced back to the 1959 ISO 2859 standard, which outlines specific levels of defectiveness depending on the commodity being evaluated. This standard has since been revised, most recently in 2003 to its current ISO 2859-1 standard, which determines the acceptability of a product based on the type and severity of the defect. This standard is widely used in inspection firms around the world to evaluate the quality of goods being shipped to retailers, customers, and other consumers.
The AQL level can vary greatly depending on the product, as certain items that are considered to be high-risk (food, drugs, medical supplies, etc.) will require stricter standards for acceptance. For example, pharmaceutical AQLs may range from 0.2% to 0.05%, while a ball bearing used in an industrial machine may have an AQL as high as 2.5%.
Typically, a batch of goods is assessed and tested for defects during pre-shipment inspections. Any goods that fail to meet the AQL designated for the type of product may be rejected entirely or potentially subjected to further assessments. In some cases, corrective action might also be taken by the manufacturer or supplier to bring the batch back into the acceptable AQL ranges prior to their shipment.
Understanding and adhering to acceptable quality levels is key to ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality goods and services. By setting the right AQL standards, shipping and pre-delivery inspections process become more accurate and efficient, thus saving time, money, and creating greater customer satisfaction.