In the garment industry, whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or brand, you must understand the importance of quality control in this business. This industry shifts swiftly, and any time lost in shipment or defect fixings can lead to unimaginable losses. Moreover, quality issues can quickly disseminate in the digital age, giving competitors an advantage. Therefore, quality control is essential, and quality inspection is the most commonly used method. In this post, we will guide you through the steps of a garment quality inspection, the key checkpoints to focus on, and how can C&Z expertise support your garment quality control.
C&Z Factory Audit Checklist
Comprehensive Assessment for Compliance, Quality, and Sustainability
Category | Inspection Item | Standard Requirements | Inspection Method | Pass/Fail Criteria | Notes |
1. Compliance & Legal | Business license, tax registration, and factory certifications (ISO, SA8000, etc.) | Valid, up-to-date documents for all required permits. | Review official certificates and databases. | Must provide original or verified copies. | |
Fire safety compliance (exits, extinguishers, drills) | At least 2 clear emergency exits per floor; monthly fire drills recorded. | On-site walkthrough and document review. | Fire extinguishers ≤5 years old and inspected annually. | ||
Environmental permits (wastewater, air emissions) | Compliance with local and international regulations (e.g., ISO 14001). | Review permits and pollution control records. | |||
2. Production Capacity | Machinery maintenance records and equipment condition | Regular maintenance logs available; machines in safe, working order. | Visual inspection and log review. | Maximum 10% of machines with unresolved defects. | |
Production schedule and capacity utilization | Capacity utilization ≥85% for peak seasons; realistic order lead times. | Analyze production planning software and order history. | |||
Workforce training programs (skills, safety) | New hires trained within 7 days; annual refresher courses for all employees. | Review training records and employee interviews. | |||
3. Quality Management | In-line quality control processes and defect tracking | AQL 2.5/4.0 sampling protocols in place; defect logs updated daily. | Observe QC stations and review records. | ||
Laboratory testing capabilities (e.g., fabric strength, chemical safety) | Equipped with certified testing equipment; third-party lab partnerships. | Tour lab facilities and verify certifications. | |||
Document control (specifications, change orders) | Centralized system for tracking revisions; traceability of all materials. | Review document management system. | |||
4. Sustainability | Water/energy conservation measures (e.g., solar panels, recycling) | ≥20% reduction in water/energy use compared to industry benchmarks. | Review utility bills and efficiency projects. | ||
Waste management (hazardous/non-hazardous separation) | Proper disposal protocols; recycling rate ≥30%. | Inspect waste storage areas and disposal contracts. | |||
Carbon footprint reduction initiatives (e.g., renewable energy) | Documented plan to achieve carbon neutrality by [target year]. | Review sustainability reports. | |||
5. Social Compliance | Worker contracts, wages, and working hours | Compliance with local labor laws (minimum wage, overtime limits). | Review payroll records and conduct worker interviews. | Maximum 5% overtime hours exceeding legal limits. | |
Health & safety practices (PPE, ergonomic conditions) | 100% PPE compliance; ergonomic assessments conducted annually. | On-site observation and record review. | |||
Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies | Zero tolerance policies documented; grievance procedures accessible to all employees. | Review policies and interview workers. | |||
6. Risk Management | Business continuity plan (disaster recovery, supplier diversification) | Plan in place for floods, pandemics, or supplier disruptions. | Review contingency documents and simulate scenarios. | ||
Supplier risk assessment (secondary suppliers, ethical sourcing) | ≥3 alternative suppliers identified for critical materials; conflict-free sourcing audits. | Review supplier audit reports and diversification strategy. | |||
Data security (customer information protection) | ISO 27001 compliance; encrypted systems for sensitive data. | Review IT security protocols and penetration test results. |
Sampling Criteria:
· Critical Areas: 100% inspection of safety, compliance, and ethical practices.
· General Operations: Random sampling of 10–15% of processes (e.g., machinery, workers).
Additional Notes:
Immediate Fail: Unsafe working conditions, child labor, or forced labor detected.
Corrective Actions: Issued for minor gaps (e.g., outdated fire drills, missing training records).
C&Z Quality Solutions – Turning Factories into Competitive Advantages.
This checklist ensures alignment with global standards (SA8000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001) while addressing brand-specific risks. Customizable for apparel, electronics, or food manufacturing.