At Viking Quality Control, we believe that quality inspection is not just a final step—it is the confirmation of integrity across the entire supply chain. That’s why Viking has officially adopted the international AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standard for quality control.
In the garment industry—especially for export-grade protective wear—subjective inspection, which relies on personal experience rather than standardized criteria, often leads to serious risks: overlooking major defects, inaccurate quality evaluation, or loss of trust from international clients.
What is AQL?
AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) is an international quality control standard that determines the number of samples to inspect and the acceptable defect rate for a shipment. Applying AQL allows for objective, data-driven, and consistent quality assessment—rather than relying on intuition.
At Viking, all inspection processes strictly follow the AQL tables. Based on the lot size and defect severity, the inspection team selects samples and evaluates them according to the corresponding standard.
AQL 2.5 and AQL 4.0: How Viking Applies Them
AQL 2.5 – For Major Defects
AQL 2.5 is used to detect major defects—those that impact:
-
The safety of the end-user
-
The functionality of the product
-
The overall appearance and commercial value
At Viking, AQL 2.5 is mandatory for:
-
Products exported to strict markets like the U.S., EU, and Japan
-
High-risk protective gear requiring strict safety compliance
-
OEM orders with tight technical specifications
Applying AQL 2.5 helps Viking maintain a low rate of critical defects, ensuring that products delivered to customers are safe, technically accurate, and meet expectations.
AQL 4.0 – For Minor Defects
AQL 4.0 applies to minor defects, defined as:
At Viking, AQL 4.0 is used for:
-
Internal-use garments or basic everyday apparel
-
Orders with greater flexibility or lower commercial value
-
Sample lots or pilot programs
Thanks to the strategic use of AQL 2.5 and 4.0, Viking ensures comprehensive quality control while saving costs for clients and maintaining consistent standards.
Internal Training – The Core of Viking’s Quality Success
Beyond using advanced inspection systems, Viking strongly emphasizes internal training for its quality control team. All QC staff receive structured training on defect classification, root cause handling, and accurate use of the AQL system.
Viking’s workplace culture is built on responsibility and team collaboration. When a defect is detected, inspectors can immediately alert the production team to pause the line and resolve the issue—rather than allowing defective products to enter the market.
Key training initiatives include:
-
AQL defect classification workshops: helping staff clearly identify defect levels and address real-life inspection scenarios
-
Periodic inspection simulations: improving reflexes and inspection precision
-
Cross-functional training: connecting QC with production, warehouse, and technical teams for consistent evaluation criteria
-
Continuous improvement: encouraging staff to contribute ideas to enhance inspection processes, with recognition and rewards for early detection of critical issues
AQL – The Standard of Professionalism
At Viking, quality control is not just a slogan—it’s a commitment executed through the internationally recognized AQL system. By implementing AQL 2.5 and 4.0, Viking not only improves product quality but also demonstrates respect for global clients and markets.
If you’re seeking a production partner who is reliable, transparent, and professional, look no further than Viking—where every product is checked with standards and heart.