Free AQL Sampling
Table (Excel)

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is an international sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) used to decide how many units to inspect in a batch and how many defects are allowed. Instead of checking every unit, an inspector draws a random sample and the batch passes or fails based on the number of defects found compared to the Accept (Ac) and Reject (Re) numbers.

It depends on your batch size and inspection level. Under General Inspection Level II: a 91-150 unit order → sample 20; 501-1,200 → sample 80; 3,201-10,000 → sample 200; 10,001-35,000 → sample 315. Use the lookup table in the free Excel template for the full range.

AQL 2.5 is a stricter limit typically used for major defects (function, safety, wrong specification) — fewer defects are allowed. AQL 4.0 is looser and typically used for minor defects (cosmetic issues). Many buyers use Major 2.5 / Minor 4.0 as the industry default.

Ac = Accept number: if defects found are ≤ Ac, the batch passes. Re = Reject number: if defects found are ≥ Re, the batch fails. For example, AQL 2.5 on a 200-unit sample shows Ac/Re = 10/11: 10 or fewer major defects pass, 11 or more fail.

No. AQL is not a simple percentage like "2.5% defective allowed". It is a sampling-and-judgment rule: based on batch size and inspection level you look up how many units to sample and how many defects are allowed, then the batch passes or fails on those exact numbers.

A standard pre-shipment inspection in China typically costs $150-$400 per day depending on location, product category and inspector seniority, with volume discounts for regular orders. It is roughly 1% of a typical order value — far less than a rejected container.

The buyer decides, and the values should be written into the contract or order confirmation BEFORE inspection day. Factories often suggest a looser standard. If unsure, use the industry default: Major AQL 2.5 / Minor AQL 4.0.

For a mature supplier and a stable product you have ordered repeatedly, PSI alone is usually enough. For a first-time factory, large order, or safety-related product, consider PPI + PSI, or add DUPRO during production.