The decision to opt for either a three grade general inspection or a four grade special inspection, will determine the level of severity and the size of the sampling lot to be inspected. As a common practice, the special inspection level will only be used for destructive testing, complex product testing-such as assembly or hipot tests for example- or highly time consuming testing to evaluate a restricted number of products.

For example, if a purchaser is sourcing 12.000 electrical toys from a factory and wants to apply level 2 testing (average severity) for the general inspection level then the quantity of product to be inspected is defined by the letter M and set at 315 units.

Our inspector will then evaluate and screen the defects on this defined lot. There are three categories of product defects:

Critical – A critical defect is one that judgment and experience indicate is likely to:

• result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the products; or
• Prevent performance of the tactical function of a major end item. A critical defective is a unit of product that contains one or more critical defects.

Major – A major defect is one, other than critical, that is likely to result in failure, or to reduce materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended purpose. A major defective is a unit of product that contains one or more major defects.

Minor – A minor defect is one that is not likely to reduce materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended purpose, or is a departure from established standards having little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit of product. A minor defective is a unit of product that contains one or more minor defects3.