Third-Party Quality Inspection Report for American-Style Cabinets and Bathroom Vanities
Date of Inspection: February 2, 2025
Location: Supplier Factory, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Client: U.S. Importer (Name Redacted)
Inspected Product: American-Style Cabinets and Bathroom Vanities (Trial Order – 1 Container)
1. Inspection Scope
This inspection was conducted at the request of the U.S. importer to verify the quality of cabinets and vanities prior to shipment. The scope included:
- Assembly Process Review: Observation of on-site cabinet assembly procedures.
- Component Inspection: Evaluation of cabinet components (panels, doors, drawers, frames).
- Hardware Check: Verification of hinges, handles, drawer slides, and fasteners.
- Final Product Assessment: Overall structural integrity, surface finish, and functionality.
2. Inspection Process
The inspection followed ASTM International standards and the client’s specific requirements. Key steps included:
- Pre-Assembly Check: Raw materials (MDF, plywood, veneers) were reviewed for defects (warping, cracks, moisture damage).
- Assembly Monitoring: QC personnel observed the assembly line to ensure proper alignment, joint tightness, and hardware installation.
- Post-Assembly Testing:
- Functional Tests: Door/drawer operation, hinge smoothness, load-bearing capacity.
- Aesthetic Checks: Surface finish consistency (paint, laminate), edge banding, and seam quality.
- Measurement Verification: Dimensions compared to design specifications.
- Random Sampling: 30% of the container’s units were inspected (as per trial order volume).
3. Identified Quality Defects
The following non-conformities were documented (refer to Attachments for visual evidence):
A. Critical Defects (Immediate Rejection)
- Cabinet Panel Delamination: 2 units exhibited visible separation between veneer and substrate due to inadequate adhesive application.
- Misaligned Doors/Drawers: 3 units had doors/drawers exceeding a 2mm alignment gap, causing operational friction.
B. Major Defects (Downgraded to “B-Grade”)
- Surface Finish Flaws: Scratches (5–10cm) on 4 cabinet doors (likely from improper handling during assembly).
- Hardware Issues:
- Loose handles on 2 vanities.
- Rust spots on drawer slides in 3 units (poor storage conditions).
- Excess Adhesive Residue: Visible glue streaks on edges of 5 units.
C. Minor Defects (Repairable On-Site)
- Minor Cosmetic Scuffs: 8 units with superficial scratches (<2cm) on non-prominent surfaces.
- Slight Dimensional Tolerances: 2 vanities deviated by ±1.5mm from specified dimensions (within acceptable range post-adjustment).
4. Corrective Actions
- Rejected/Downgraded Units: 9 units (6% of inspected quantity) were segregated and labeled as non-compliant.
- On-Site Repairs: Minor defects (e.g., adhesive residue, scuffs) were rectified under QC supervision.
- Supplier Acknowledgment: Factory management signed off on the defect classification and agreed to replace rejected units.
5. Conclusion
While the majority of products met functional and aesthetic standards, recurring issues in surface protection and hardware quality indicate gaps in the factory’s quality control protocols. The trial order highlights the need for stricter pre-shipment inspections and improved handling practices.
Recommendations:
- Implement daily calibration of assembly tools to minimize alignment errors.
- Upgrade storage conditions for hardware to prevent corrosion.
- Conduct staff retraining on adhesive application and finish protection.
Attachments:
- Photos/Video Index:
- Photo 001–015: Delamination and misalignment defects.
- Video 001: Functional test of drawer slides.
- Photo 016–020: Surface finish flaws and rusted hardware.
Inspector: [Your Name/QC Team Name]
Signature: [Digital/Physical Signature]
This report reflects findings from a sample-based inspection and does not guarantee 100% defect-free products. Final liability rests with the supplier.
