Sourcing glossary
Defect classification
Also known as: Critical, major and minor defects, Defect categories, 缺陷分类, 결함 분류
The grading of inspection findings as critical (unsafe or non-compliant), major (likely to cause failure or a return) or minor (a small flaw unlikely to affect use), each with its own AQL limit.
Inspectors count defects in each class separately and compare them with the accept/reject numbers for that class. Buyers commonly accept zero critical defects, AQL 2.5 for major and AQL 4.0 for minor, but the limits are your choice and should be written into the PO.
The common mistake is not defining the classes for your product. Write a defect list in advance — for example, a sharp edge on a toy is critical, a loose seam is major, a small thread end is minor — so the inspector and factory apply the same judgement. See AQL explained.
Related terms
Part of Quality Control.