Sourcing glossary
AQL
Also known as: Acceptance Quality Limit, Acceptable Quality Level
The worst average defect rate a buyer will accept, used with ISO 2859-1 sampling tables to set inspection sample sizes and accept/reject limits.
Buyers usually set separate AQL values for critical, major and minor defects — commonly 0, 2.5 and 4.0 for consumer goods. Read AQL explained for a worked example.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
QC
AQL Explained: How Pre-Shipment Inspection Sampling Works
What AQL means in product inspection, how sample sizes are chosen, and which AQL levels importers typically set for critical, major and minor defects.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 3 min read
E-commerce
China Dropshipping Agent vs AliExpress: Which to Use and When
AliExpress dropshipping vs a China fulfillment agent compared on product cost, delivery time, branding, quality control and stock, plus clear signs it's time to switch.
Updated 2026-09-25 · 6 min read
Platforms
Alibaba Trade Assurance: What It Covers and How to Claim
What Alibaba.com Trade Assurance covers and excludes, which payments qualify, refund windows, delivery-delay compensation and how to file a claim.
Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 min read
QC
Defective Goods from China: What to Do When Your Order Arrives Wrong
Defective goods from a Chinese supplier? How to document evidence, use your PO terms, negotiate a fix, file Trade Assurance or insurance claims, and prevent repeats.
Updated 2026-09-21 · 5 min read
Yiwu
Yiwu Sourcing Agent Fees: How Agents Charge and What to Compare
How Yiwu buying agents charge: commission ranges, flat and per-container fees, what is included, hidden markups, red flags and how to compare quotes fairly.
Updated 2026-09-19 · 5 min read
Private label
Product Samples from China: Types, Costs and How to Evaluate Them
Stock, custom, pre-production and golden samples explained: what they cost, who pays, sample fee refunds, express shipping and how to judge a sample properly.
Updated 2026-09-11 · 5 min read
Part of Quality Control.