Best Factory Audit Services in China: Complete Guide 2025

The BSA GROUP team delivers top-notch factory audit services!

We implement decisive criteria to get you the results you need. From individual equipment to complete production capacity, we check everything thoroughly.

Factory Audit Services

5,000+ Completed Projects
4,000+ Satisfied Clients
135 Countries Served
100+ Professional Factory Audit Experts

How Does Factory Audit Work With BSA GROUP?

Initial Factory Evaluation

We visit the factory to perform an initial comprehensive checkup. We review the supplier’s manufacturing system, assess whether it qualifies for your requirements, and identify potential risks.

This initial evaluation answers critical questions about your potential supplier.

Quality System Audit

Our experts examine the supplier’s quality setup to ensure acceptable quality production standards. You’ll understand whether product quality is compatible with ISO standards and your specific requirements.

Law Compliance and Social Audit

Is your supplier properly licensed? We verify that. We also evaluate social aspects and compliance with local production regulations, helping you choose top-tier suppliers who meet all legal requirements.

Blended System Audits

Blended system audits assess whether your supplier focuses on social and environmental standards. Production capacity evaluation is part of this comprehensive step.

Factory Visit (Stealth Audit)

Our auditors visit factories to gain a general impression of operations. We take comprehensive photos of the production system and send them to you, building confidence in our services.

Advantages of Factory Audit

Access to High-Quality Inventory

Factory audits enable you to thoroughly check manufacturing facilities. Our team conducts close examination of tools and machinery. We don’t recommend orders from facilities with outdated machinery.

Get 100% quality products with a no-risk strategy.

Alignment with Your Requirements

Our experts estimate the capacity of factories—whether they’re built for small-scale production or can handle bulk orders. You choose suppliers that match your needs and provide timely solutions.

Get bulk inventory without extra delays.

Effective Customer Trust

Your customers trust you when you deliver quality products—and that’s our specialty. Our experts ensure your supplier’s factory meets required product quantity and quality standards.

Build high trust with your customers through consistent quality.

What Makes BSA GROUP Stand Out?

100% Customer Satisfaction

Our experts implement maximum effort in factory audits. We fulfill all your needs according to ISO standards, building long-term partnerships.

High-Quality Service

Our experts believe in quality excellence. Our agents test factory setups and ensure effective product procurement. Proper quality inspection puts us at the top of the industry.

Detailed Reports

We test and prepare comprehensive reports including relevant pictures and detailed results of factory assessments. You can manually review everything to boost your confidence.

Reliable Supplier Selection

Factory audits lead us to in-depth supplier analysis. We understand supplier capabilities and choose only reliable partners for your business.

Client Testimonials

2,000+ Clients Trust BSA GROUP

“I sourced all kinds of products for my company for about 1 year with BSA GROUP. They have really good service, their team is professional and trustworthy. I definitely recommend working with them.”
— Levi

“I worked with BSA GROUP for 2-3 years to build my brand. They check each item and handle customs clearance to Amazon warehouses. I love their service—it saves me a lot of time. If you’re also developing your business in China, they’ll help you do it smoothly.”
— Belinda

“Working with BSA GROUP is really positive—they are honest and reliable. I recommend their services to anyone who has a business that needs to ship products from China or requires professional inspection services.”
— Julie

BSA GROUP Helps You Check Product Quality at Attractive Costs!

Factory Audit Services: A Definitive Guide 2025

Searching for the right manufacturer for your product is quite a task. Have you completed this process?

That’s a significant achievement—congratulations!

The factory seems professional. Their staff is helpful and cooperative in every aspect. Now you’re about to pay for the product, right?

Wait!

You’re missing a critical point: factory audit.

After selecting your product and supplier, you need to understand the reality of production capabilities. This is essential because without a quality audit, you don’t know what you’ll actually receive. Skipping this step can provoke significant losses.

Now that you’ve reached the right place, let us guide you through comprehensive factory audit processes.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Factory Audit?
  2. Why Audit Your Supplier’s Factory?
  3. The 7 Most Common Types of Factory Audits
  4. Top 10 Factory Audit Checklist Essentials
  5. How to Conduct a Manufacturing Audit
  6. Factory Audit vs Quality Inspection
  7. 3 Important Ways Factory Audits Differ from Factory Inspections
  8. Factory Audit of Social Responsibility
  9. Factory Audit of Security
  10. Factory Audit by Big Brands
  11. The 6 Common Social Compliance Audit Standards in China
  12. How BSA GROUP Helps You Do Factory Audits in China
  13. Conclusion

What is a Factory Audit?

A factory audit is a comprehensive, real-world assessment of your manufacturing partner’s facility. Professional auditors evaluate the capacity, capability, and quality of the factory. In other words, you’ll gain complete understanding of production resources and equipment.

Key aspects of factory audits:

Capacity Assessment:

  • How much product can the factory produce?
  • What is their production timeline?
  • Can they scale for larger orders?

Capability Evaluation:

  • Do they have the right equipment?
  • Is their workforce skilled and trained?
  • Can they meet your quality standards?

Quality Verification:

  • What quality control systems are in place?
  • How do they ensure consistent quality?
  • Do they meet international standards?

Finding Qualified Auditors:

Don’t worry about finding auditors—most logistics support companies worldwide offer these services. These companies provide examiners, inspectors, or auditors for factory audits (different names for the same purpose).

Professional Auditor Characteristics:

  • Well-trained in factory assessment
  • Use standardized factory audit checklists
  • Provide comprehensive inspection reports
  • Give you power to make informed decisions

Why Factory Audit is Essential:

Factory audit is a prerequisite for a successful supply chain process. This helps you select exactly the right manufacturing partner. Every seller should conduct factory audits for optimal results and risk mitigation.

Why Audit Your Supplier’s Factory?

Audit is fundamental. When I audit a supplier’s factory, it reveals many critical factors: equipment standards, ISO compatibility, and most importantly, the quality production setup needed for success.

The Importance of Manufacturer Reliability

Manufacturers and factories occupy the top tier of the supply chain. Their reliability is critically important. A defective manufacturing process causes significant business losses. Factory audits ensure best practices and reliable production.

The Reality of Business Risk:

Your business suffers when attractive products with excellent marketing strategies turn out to be defective. It’s necessary to ensure the supply chain is capable and complies with your business requirements.

Go the extra mile, but never compromise on quality. A defective system destroys business reputation irreparably.

Critical Areas Requiring Verification

Manufacturing Procedures: Checking manufacturing procedures and smooth workflow for product delivery is essential for business success.

Quality Before First Order: Before placing the first order with manufacturers, checking their quality is crucial. This is especially important when sourcing products from another location where it’s not convenient to oversee each business integration step.

System of Audit: Implementing an audit system warrants quality products and prevents costly mistakes.

Problems Factory Audits Address

Factory audits address critical problems in establishing smooth business operations:

Supplier Durability:

  • Can they sustain long-term partnership?
  • Do they have financial stability?
  • Is their business growing or declining?

Cooperation Level:

  • Are they responsive and communicative?
  • Do they welcome quality improvement?
  • Can they adapt to your requirements?

Business Growth: A perfect plan with a flawed supplier line cripples business growth. That’s why performing factory quality audits is vital for success.

The 7 Most Common Types of Factory Audits

Factory audits provide analytics of your manufacturer’s sourcing and operations, ensuring alignment with your company’s needs.

Every manufacturer varies in procedures based on their work. Based on this, there are different audit approaches.

The audit type best for you depends on your product or service requirements.

Let’s cover the 7 most common audit types to help you choose according to your needs.

1. Manufacturing Audit

Manufacturing audit identifies whether the production facility is working at optimal capacity. This is key to obtaining quality products from manufacturers.

Manufacturing Audit Components:

Factory Profile Review:

  • Company history and stability
  • Management structure
  • Financial health
  • Industry reputation

Production Capacity Analysis:

  • Maximum output per day/month
  • Current capacity utilization
  • Scalability potential
  • Peak season capabilities

Machinery and Equipment Condition:

  • Equipment age and maintenance status
  • Technology level and modernization
  • Preventive maintenance schedules
  • Backup equipment availability

Workflow and Time Duration:

  • Production process efficiency
  • Bottleneck identification
  • Lead time analysis
  • Delivery reliability

Quality Assurance System:

  • QC procedures and checkpoints
  • Testing capabilities
  • Defect rate tracking
  • Corrective action processes

Questions Manufacturing Audit Answers:

  • How suitable is this facility for your product?
  • Given equipment condition, how long will the partnership last?
  • What is the work behavior and culture?
  • Can they meet your volume requirements?
  • Is their quality system robust?

Personal Experience:

“I have worked with many auditing companies. Manufacturing audit is suitable for obtaining quality products without illegal risks or compliance issues. Try it out!” – BSA GROUP Client

2. Social Compliance Audit

Social compliance audit focuses on the factory’s treatment of employees. In this audit, you examine the social environment and security conditions.

Key Analysis Areas:

Working Hours:

  • Are working hours within legal limits?
  • Is overtime voluntary and compensated?
  • Do workers get adequate rest periods?
  • Are schedules consistent and reasonable?

Record Keeping:

  • Is accurate employee documentation maintained?
  • Are payroll records complete and transparent?
  • Are work hours properly documented?
  • Is contract documentation thorough?

Employee Safety:

  • Is the working facility safe for employees?
  • Do they meet safety standards?
  • Is protective equipment provided?
  • Are emergency protocols in place?

Six Major Critical Factors:

1. Child Labor:

  • Verification of minimum age requirements
  • Age documentation and verification processes
  • No exploitation of underage workers

2. Forced Labor:

  • No coercion or involuntary work
  • Freedom to terminate employment
  • No withholding of documents or wages

3. Safety Hazards:

  • Safe working conditions
  • Proper equipment and training
  • Regular safety inspections
  • Accident prevention measures

4. Physical Abuse:

  • No physical punishment or abuse
  • Respectful treatment of workers
  • Clear disciplinary procedures
  • Worker complaint mechanisms

5. Bribery for Audit Clearance:

  • No corruption in audit process
  • Transparent audit procedures
  • Independent verification
  • Ethical business practices

6. Fair Wages:

  • Payment of minimum legal wages
  • Timely wage payment
  • Transparent wage calculations
  • Fair compensation for overtime

SA 8000 Standard:

Social Accountability International (SAI) has established audit standards for social compliance. SA 8000 system certification confirms the company is not violating labor laws and maintains ethical employment practices.

3. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Audit

GMP audit is a regulatory process that manufacturers apply to ensure quality in pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetic products.

GMP Audit Purpose:

Product Categories Requiring GMP:

  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Medical devices
  • Food products
  • Cosmetic products
  • Dietary supplements

Benefits of Regular GMP Audits:

Protect Business From:

  • Product safety issues
  • Product recalls
  • Legal problems
  • Regulatory violations
  • Reputation damage
  • Financial losses

GMP Audit Components:

Manufacturing Standards:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Process validation
  • Equipment qualification
  • Facility design and maintenance

Quality Control:

  • Testing protocols
  • Specification compliance
  • Documentation requirements
  • Batch record keeping

Personnel:

  • Training requirements
  • Hygiene practices
  • Qualification verification
  • Responsibility assignment

Documentation:

  • Manufacturing records
  • Quality records
  • Standard procedures
  • Change control

4. Environmental Audits

“For me, the environment is pivotal. What if the production environment is inappropriate? It will surely produce eco-damaging products that deteriorate earlier.”

A healthy environment is vital for sustainable business. In this audit, we assess protection from environmental degradation factors.

Environmental Audit Focus:

Workplace Cleanliness:

  • Regular cleaning schedules
  • Waste management systems
  • Organized work areas
  • Sanitation standards

Pollution Control:

  • Chemical handling procedures
  • Toxic gas management
  • Water pollution prevention
  • Air quality maintenance
  • Noise level control

Environmental Management:

  • Waste reduction programs
  • Recycling initiatives
  • Energy efficiency measures
  • Sustainable practices

ISO 14001 Certification:

Controlling environmental factors and maintaining clean, eco-friendly workplaces can help factories achieve ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating commitment to environmental management.

Benefits of Environmental Compliance:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Cost savings through efficiency
  • Improved public image
  • Sustainable business practices
  • Long-term viability

5. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Audit

C-TPAT focuses on improving security of private companies in supply chains, with a focal point on terrorism prevention.

Program Leadership:

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leads this program, assessing and enhancing security measures from both physical and virtual perspectives.

Benefits of C-TPAT:

Security Enhancement:

  • Strengthens supply chain security
  • Verifies compliance with security standards
  • Protects freedom and trade integrity
  • Improves business partner practices

Operational Benefits:

  • Faster delivery times
  • Less CBP examination time at borders
  • Reduced inspection delays
  • Improved supply chain efficiency
  • Enhanced credibility

Security Assessment Areas:

  • Physical security of facilities
  • Procedural security controls
  • Personnel security screening
  • Access controls
  • Cargo security procedures
  • Container security
  • Transportation security
  • Information technology security

6. Food Supplier Audits

Food quality audit is of utmost importance because it directly impacts consumer health and safety.

Food Audit Ensures:

Food Hygiene:

  • Sanitary production conditions
  • Proper food handling procedures
  • Prevention of contamination
  • Clean facilities and equipment

Quality Manufacturing Practices:

  • Adherence to food safety standards
  • Quality control procedures
  • Proper storage conditions
  • Temperature control

Food Safety:

  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Safety testing protocols
  • Allergen management
  • Traceability systems

Benefits of Food Factory Audits:

Demonstrates Commitment:

  • Shows dedication to food quality
  • Builds buyer confidence
  • Enhances brand reputation

Regulatory Compliance:

  • Follow government rules
  • Meet target market requirements
  • Avoid legal issues
  • Maintain export eligibility

Product Excellence:

  • Streamline products
  • Consistent quality
  • Reduced recall risks
  • Customer satisfaction

7. Quality System Audit

Quality System audit revolves around measurements, calibrations, and quality management systems.

The auditor verifies that the factory uses a Quality Management System (QMS) to maintain quality standards.

ISO 9001 Standards:

Factories should follow ISO 9001 standards to reduce quality risks. Ensure the company complies with these standards and that there’s no risk to your supply chain.

Factory Audit Checklist for Quality System:

1. Documented QMS:

  • Written quality policies
  • Procedure documentation
  • Work instructions
  • Quality manual

2. Calibration of Equipment:

  • Regular calibration schedules
  • Calibration records
  • Traceability of measurements
  • Accuracy verification

3. Incoming Materials Inspection:

  • Supplier quality requirements
  • Receiving inspection procedures
  • Material testing protocols
  • Acceptance criteria

4. Manufacturing and Process Control:

  • Process documentation
  • Control parameters
  • In-process inspection
  • Process validation

5. Final Inspection of Products:

  • Inspection criteria
  • Testing procedures
  • Acceptance standards
  • Rejection protocols

6. Packaging, Storage & Shipping Procedure:

  • Packaging specifications
  • Storage conditions
  • Handling procedures
  • Shipping controls

7. Corrective and Preventive Actions:

  • Problem identification
  • Root cause analysis
  • Corrective measures
  • Effectiveness verification

8. Training Requirements:

  • Training programs
  • Qualification requirements
  • Training records
  • Skill verification

ISO 9001 Certification:

ISO 9001 is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization, providing a framework for effective quality management.

Personal Experience:

“Some suppliers offer quality audit services, and I believe that’s great for production of quality products. Therefore, I prioritize it when working with a supplier.” – BSA GROUP Client

Top 10 Factory Audit Checklist Essentials

For a factory quality audit, you may have specific requirements. However, there are essential points that should be part of every factory audit checklist.

Following are the 10 essential points that should never be overlooked:

1. Zero Tolerance Requirements for Severe Violations

Some situations allow for flexibility and minor faults that don’t have major impacts. However, certain cases require zero-sum tolerance because they’re crucial for best practices and ethical business.

Zero Tolerance Violations:

Mandatory Licenses and Certificates:

  • Valid business license
  • Export license (if applicable)
  • Required industry certifications
  • Safety certificates
  • Environmental permits

Child Labor:

  • No child labor present
  • No evidence of having employed minors
  • Proper age verification procedures
  • Compliance with local minimum age laws

Forced Labor:

  • No coercion or involuntary work
  • No withholding of documents
  • Freedom to terminate employment
  • Fair labor practices

Critical Safety Violations:

  • No immediate safety hazards
  • No exposure to dangerous conditions
  • Proper safety equipment provided
  • Emergency procedures in place

Why Social Compliance Audit Matters:

Social compliance audit is important for every company. If there are violations, auditors can detect them during quality audits. It’s in everyone’s best interest not to work with companies that violate these standards, as it’s morally and ethically wrong.

2. Basic Facilities, Environment and Equipment Maintenance

“First of all, I check basic facilities. If they are available, it means specialized products can be produced with high safety. This impresses customers.”

Basic facilities for employees are of utmost importance:

Essential Facilities Checklist:

Security Certificates:

  • C-TPAT certification (if exporting to US)
  • GSV (Global Security Verification)
  • Other relevant security certifications

Lighting:

  • Adequate lighting in packaging areas
  • Proper illumination in storage areas
  • Well-lit quality control areas
  • Sufficient lighting for workers’ safety

Building Structure:

  • Weatherproofed production rooms
  • Maintained doors and locks
  • Secure ceiling structure
  • Properly functioning windows
  • Climate control systems

Cleaning and Maintenance:

  • Specified cleaning team
  • Routine cleaning schedules
  • Preventive maintenance programs
  • Regular equipment servicing

Storage Conditions:

  • Proper warehouse facilities
  • Appropriate storage conditions
  • Climate control (temperature/humidity)
  • Organized inventory system
  • Pest control measures

Testing Equipment:

  • Calibrated testing equipment
  • Up-to-date technology
  • Regular calibration schedules
  • Proper equipment maintenance

Safety Features:

  • Proper railing for elevated areas
  • Secure walkways
  • Clear safety markings
  • Non-slip flooring

Environmental Protection:

  • Treatment of toxic gases
  • Proper drainage of fluids
  • Waste management systems
  • Environmental compliance

Medical Facilities:

  • Medical room or first aid station
  • Trained first aid personnel
  • Emergency medical supplies
  • Clear emergency procedures

Fire Safety:

  • Emergency exits clearly marked
  • Fire extinguishers in working order
  • Fire alarm systems functional
  • Regular fire drills conducted

Electrical Safety:

  • Secure and routed wiring
  • Proper grounding
  • Regular electrical inspections
  • No exposed wires

Importance:

Maintenance of these facilities, storage rooms, and environment are precursors for quality production. This checklist helps prevent observable issues within facilities and equipment that could impact product quality and worker safety.

3. Quality Management System Organization

QMS is another critical section of the checklist. QMS helps summarize the factory audit report and tells you whether the company can meet your minimum quality standards.

Quality Management System is comprehensive, but its audit process revolves around:

Top Management Responsibility:

  • Quality policy development
  • Resource allocation
  • Management commitment
  • Strategic quality planning

Policy Documentation:

  • How are policies documented?
  • Are procedures clearly written?
  • Is documentation accessible?
  • Are updates maintained?

Staff Training:

  • How is production staff trained?
  • Are training programs comprehensive?
  • Is understanding verified?
  • Are skills regularly updated?

ISO 9001 Certification:

  • Is certification current?
  • When was it last audited?
  • Are there any non-conformances?
  • Is continuous improvement evident?

Quality Control Staff:

  • Independent QC team existence
  • QC staff qualifications
  • QC responsibilities and authority
  • Reporting structure

QMS Process Gaps:

  • Identified weaknesses
  • Improvement plans
  • Implementation timelines
  • Effectiveness monitoring

Critical QMS Principle:

The foundation of QMS is the ability to analyze quality issues. Factories with weak QMS often lack an independent QC team. Instead, they expect production staff to perform QC activities. This poses a problem because production staff are often biased when testing their own work.

For better results, the QC team must be independent of production staff.

4. Incoming Quality Controls for Materials and Components

Some factories cut costs by using cheap materials, which often affects most of an order with quality issues.

Why Incoming Quality Control Matters:

Raw material quality directly impacts final product quality. Incoming quality control should be part of the factory audit checklist to help reduce the risk of substandard materials.

Requirements for Effective Incoming QC:

Strong QC Team:

  • Expert QC team capabilities
  • Proper training and qualifications
  • Authority to reject materials
  • Clear procedures and standards

Benefits of Expert QC: An expert QC team can help reduce damage to both factory and buyer by catching material issues before production begins.

Incoming Quality Control Factors:

Labeling:

  • Prominent and clear labeling
  • Accurate product information
  • Lot number tracking
  • Expiration date marking (if applicable)

Storage Environment:

  • Proper temperature control
  • Humidity management
  • Protection from contamination
  • Organized storage system
  • First-in-first-out (FIFO) system

Quality Identification Team:

  • Well-trained personnel
  • Ability to identify quality issues
  • Understanding of specifications
  • Knowledge of acceptance criteria

Testing Procedures:

  • Material testing protocols
  • Sampling methods
  • Acceptance standards
  • Documentation requirements

5. During Production Controls to Identify Quality Issues

Finding defective products during production is highly effective. It helps eliminate faulty stock in time. This is especially important for items with many parts or complex assembly.

During Production Quality Control:

Safety Checks:

  • 100% inspection of critical items
  • Safety testing protocols
  • Hazard identification
  • Risk mitigation measures

Product Segregation:

  • Clear separation of accepted goods
  • Identification of rejected goods
  • No mixing of conforming/non-conforming products
  • Proper handling procedures

Fair Sampling Plan:

  • Statistical sampling methods
  • AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards
  • Representative sampling
  • Unbiased selection process

In-Process Inspection:

  • Regular production monitoring
  • Key checkpoint verification
  • Dimensional checks
  • Functionality testing
  • Visual inspection

Benefits:

This process helps identify quality issues early when they’re easier and less expensive to correct, preventing defective products from reaching final production.

6. Finished Goods Controls and Inspection

This part of the factory audit checklist verifies the QC process after production completion. While QC is very active during production to identify faults, some issues appear in the final phase, requiring final inspection.

Final Phase Quality Checks:

Presentation:

  • Visual appearance
  • Cosmetic quality
  • Finish quality
  • Packaging appeal

Working/Functionality:

  • Product performs as specified
  • All features function correctly
  • No operational defects
  • Meets performance standards

Progress/Completion:

  • All components present
  • Assembly completed correctly
  • Nothing missing or incomplete
  • Ready for packaging

Packaging:

  • Proper packaging materials
  • Protection adequate for shipping
  • Labeling accurate and complete
  • Carton strength sufficient

Storage Conditions:

The auditor also checks storage conditions to ensure manufacturers store items in appropriate environments:

  • Proper temperature and humidity
  • Clean storage areas
  • Protection from damage
  • Organized inventory management

Third-Party Inspection:

You can also perform third-party inspection at this final stage. Most factories will have a QC system in place for end products, but independent verification adds another layer of assurance.

7. Lab Testing Capabilities and Collaborations with Third Parties

Not every product needs lab testing. However, certain products require verification—items like jewelry, rubber products, electronics, textiles, and chemicals.

When Your Product Needs Lab Testing:

If you’re dealing with products requiring testing, lab capabilities become essential. Some manufacturers have their own testing labs, while others rely on external testing facilities.

If Manufacturer Has On-Site Lab:

Your factory audit report checklist should include:

Equipment Used for Testing:

  • Types of testing equipment available
  • Equipment specifications and capabilities
  • Age and condition of equipment
  • Technology level

International Standards:

  • Which standards does the lab follow?
  • ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
  • Industry-specific standards compliance
  • Recognized certifications

Calibration:

  • Regular calibration schedules
  • Calibration records maintained
  • Traceability to national standards
  • Calibration frequency

Environmental Controls:

  • Temperature control systems
  • Humidity monitoring
  • Clean room facilities (if needed)
  • Contamination prevention

Test Types:

  • What tests can be performed?
  • Testing scope and limitations
  • Turnaround time for results
  • Sample requirements

Lab Personnel:

  • How trained are lab attendants?
  • Qualifications and certifications
  • Experience levels
  • Continuous training programs

Accuracy and Error Threshold:

  • Quality control procedures
  • Error margins acceptable
  • Repeat testing protocols
  • Result verification methods

If On-Site Lab Testing Not Available:

Don’t worry—you can use third-party testing services. Your auditor can support you with this.

Personal Experience:

“At this point, I have hired BSA GROUP. They help me test products with their partnered labs and get accurate reports. That’s how I ensure quality.” – BSA GROUP Client

BSA GROUP Testing Services:

  • Partnership with accredited labs
  • Comprehensive testing capabilities
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Accurate, reliable results
  • Full documentation
  • Competitive pricing

8. HR Recruitment and Training Practices

Manufacturers in China face challenges in retaining production staff. The total working-age population is decreasing while demand remains high. To meet demand, some factories recruit outsourced staff with lower experience, leading to potential quality issues.

The Challenge:

High turnover in Chinese factories has led to increased hiring of temporary employees. This creates a workforce with varying skill levels and experience.

Why HR Audit is Necessary:

Factory quality audit checklist should include HR assessment:

Employee Qualification:

  • Education requirements
  • Experience levels
  • Skill verification
  • Background checks
  • Reference verification

Pre-Training of New Employees:

  • Comprehensive onboarding programs
  • Job-specific training
  • Safety training
  • Quality awareness training
  • Company policies and procedures

Testing of Employees:

  • Skills assessment
  • Competency verification
  • Practical testing
  • Performance evaluation
  • Ongoing assessment

Training Record Maintenance:

  • Documented training history
  • Training attendance records
  • Certification tracking
  • Skill progression documentation
  • Refresher training schedules

Benefits of Proper HR Management:

Manufacturers Gain:

  • Trained workforce
  • Faster production
  • Better quality products
  • Lower defect rates
  • Reduced turnover
  • Improved efficiency

Recruitment Analytics:

Using recruitment analytics, manufacturers can better evaluate hiring trends and improve workforce planning, resulting in a more stable and skilled workforce.

9. Engineering, Research, and Design Capabilities

This section is essential when you’re looking for a new product or need customization. Otherwise, it’s not mandatory for standard products.

R&D Team Capabilities:

An R&D team can develop products according to your specific demands. Your manufacturer in China may claim they can develop products, but they might outsource to another supplier.

Personal Experience:

“R&D is my favorite thing. It shows the dedication of suppliers toward manufacturing products. I even get an idea of whether they’re a reliable top supplier.”

Potential Issues:

Development vs. Production:

  • R&D team makes product to your specifications
  • Production team may interpret differently
  • Final product may not match prototype
  • Communication gaps can cause discrepancies

Solution:

Include R&D capabilities review in your audit checklist:

Patent Portfolio:

  • How many patents does the company have?
  • Patent types and relevance
  • Innovation track record
  • Intellectual property protection

Development Team:

  • Team size and composition
  • Qualifications and experience
  • Understanding of your requirements
  • Communication capabilities
  • Technical expertise

Completion Time Frame:

  • How long for product development?
  • Timeline reliability
  • Flexibility for changes
  • Milestone tracking

Track Record:

  • Previous development projects
  • Success rate
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Complexity handled

Verification Method:

Before ordering in bulk, check the R&D team’s previous work by requesting samples. This helps you judge capabilities so you can order accordingly.

Ask for:

  • Development samples
  • Prototypes
  • Case studies
  • Reference projects
  • Customer testimonials

10. Business Development and Management Behavior

Communication patterns and organizational structure can reveal much about a company. You can analyze this in a few interactions, but the auditor will dig deeper.

First Impressions:

If they welcome the auditor you send, that’s a positive first impression. If they cause hindrance or resistance, be cautious—there may be something they don’t want to reveal.

Assessing Professionalism:

It’s relatively easy to assess professionalism through:

  • Initial communication quality
  • Responsiveness
  • Transparency
  • Cooperation level
  • Documentation quality

Factory Audit Checklist Points:

Customer Relations Service:

  • How responsive are they?
  • Communication quality
  • Problem-solving approach
  • Customer satisfaction focus
  • After-sales support

Finance Department Structure:

  • Financial organization
  • Payment terms flexibility
  • Credit management
  • Financial stability
  • Transparent pricing

Workflow Stability:

  • Consistent processes
  • Organized operations
  • Predictable outcomes
  • Change management
  • Continuous improvement

Cooperation with Auditors:

  • Welcome audit process
  • Provide access to facilities
  • Share information openly
  • Answer questions honestly
  • Address concerns promptly

Order Processing:

  • How do they handle orders?
  • Order confirmation procedures
  • Production scheduling
  • Progress updates
  • Delivery coordination

Sales Team Dedication:

  • Knowledge of products
  • Understanding of your needs
  • Proactive communication
  • Follow-up consistency
  • Long-term relationship focus

Business Development Importance:

Business development reflects the factory’s professionalism. The more professional they appear, the more customers they’ll attract. This creates opportunities for long-term business relationships.

Key Indicators:

  • Professional communication
  • Organized operations
  • Transparent processes
  • Customer-focused approach
  • Ethical business practices
  • Growth mindset

How to Conduct a Manufacturing Audit

Manufacturing factory audit is a comprehensive process that verifies manufacturers are performing at expected levels.

This process provides a broad picture of:

  • Working timeline
  • Factory procedures
  • Problems and challenges
  • Consistency and reliability
  • Capacity and capabilities

The result is typically a comprehensive report providing insights into the factory.

Let’s examine the steps for conducting an effective audit:

Step 1: Rank Your Audit Process

After finding a manufacturer you want to work with, identify which processes seem most critical.

Prioritization Process:

  1. Identify Critical Processes:
    • What’s most important for your product?
    • Which areas pose highest risk?
    • What directly affects quality?
  2. Create Ranked List:
    • Rank processes in order of importance
    • Consider product-specific needs
    • Factor in your quality priorities
  3. Determine Audit Depth:
    • How thoroughly should each area be audited?
    • Which areas need detailed inspection?
    • Where can you accept lighter review?

Personal Habit:

“I make a checklist of audits. When checking out the audit, it helps me go step-by-step. It saves time and expense.”

Benefits of Ranking:

  • Focused audit approach
  • Efficient use of time
  • Better resource allocation
  • Clear priorities
  • Structured assessment

Step 2: Find an Auditor

Finding an auditing team is straightforward now. Many companies online offer inspection services anywhere in the world.

Tips for Selecting an Auditor:

Check Leadership:

  • Who leads the audit team?
  • What’s their experience level?
  • Industry expertise?
  • Track record?

Know Their Experience:

  • Years in business
  • Similar product experience
  • Geographic coverage
  • Client testimonials

ISO Standards Compliance:

  • Do they follow ISO standards?
  • What certifications do they hold?
  • Quality management system?
  • Professional accreditations?

Laboratory Capabilities:

  • Do they have testing labs?
  • Lab partnerships?
  • Testing capabilities?
  • Accreditation status?

Sourcing Agent Services:

Sometimes your China sourcing agent also offers auditing services. Give them the prioritized list you prepared, and they’ll handle the rest.

BSA GROUP Audit Services:

  • Experienced audit professionals
  • Comprehensive audit capabilities
  • ISO standards compliance
  • Partner lab network
  • Detailed reporting
  • Competitive pricing

Step 3: Determine Audit Frequency

The frequency of audits depends on your product and relationship with the supplier.

Frequency Considerations:

One-Time Audit:

  • Initial supplier qualification
  • Standard products
  • Established supplier reputation
  • Low-risk products

Multiple Visits:

  • New custom product development
  • High-value orders
  • Complex products
  • New supplier relationship
  • High-risk products
  • Quality concerns identified

Factors Affecting Frequency:

Product Complexity:

  • Simple products may need one audit
  • Complex products require multiple visits
  • Custom products need development monitoring

Order Size:

  • Larger orders warrant more audits
  • Smaller orders may need less frequent audit
  • Volume affects audit investment

Risk Level:

  • High-risk products need more audits
  • Safety-critical items require thorough monitoring
  • Brand reputation considerations

Supplier Relationship:

  • New suppliers need more audits initially
  • Established suppliers may need annual audits
  • Performance history affects frequency

Expert Guidance:

The auditor you select can help determine appropriate audit frequency based on your specific situation.

Step 4: Announce the Factory Audit in Advance

The audit is not a surprise—it should be announced in advance.

Why Advance Notice:

Not a Witch Hunt:

  • Purpose is not to denounce anyone
  • Healthy process for improvement
  • Corrective maintenance focus
  • Partnership approach

Benefits of Announcement:

For Factory:

  • Time to prepare documentation
  • Organize facility for review
  • Prepare staff for questions
  • Show their capabilities

For Auditor:

  • Better cooperation
  • Complete access to information
  • Honest assessment possible
  • Efficient audit process

For Buyer:

  • Transparent process
  • Comprehensive evaluation
  • No hidden surprises
  • Fair assessment

Healthy Business Environment:

Audit improves the production process and creates a healthy business environment. It’s a tool for continuous improvement, not punishment.

Step 5: Schedule a Timeline for Manufacturing Audit

“In my checklist, the timeline is crucial. I set up proper time for every audit. Scheduling reduces hindrances with effective planning.”

Audit Schedule Best Practices:

Frame Audit for Entire Shift:

  • See complete production cycle
  • Observe different staff
  • Understand workflow variations
  • Identify shift-specific issues

Follow Factory Schedule:

  • Respect production schedules
  • Minimize disruption
  • See normal operations
  • Observe standard procedures

Random Sampling:

  • Make production unit sampling as random as possible
  • Avoid cherry-picked samples
  • Get representative view
  • Unbiased assessment

Time Allocation:

Small Factory (50-100 workers):

  • 1 full day minimum
  • 4-6 hours production review
  • 2-3 hours documentation review
  • 1-2 hours management interviews

Medium Factory (100-500 workers):

  • 1-2 full days
  • More comprehensive review
  • Multiple departments
  • Detailed documentation

Large Factory (500+ workers):

  • 2-3 full days
  • Thorough assessment
  • All departments
  • Complete systems review

Benefits of Proper Scheduling:

  • Comprehensive view
  • Accurate assessment
  • Minimal disruption
  • Efficient use of time
  • Better cooperation

Step 6: Note Down Issues Observed During Audit

Comprehensive documentation is essential for effective audits.

Documentation Process:

Record All Issues:

  • Note everything observed
  • Don’t skip minor issues
  • Document with photos
  • Record exact locations
  • Note severity levels

Use Your Checklist:

  • Mark items as compliant/non-compliant
  • Add detailed notes
  • Include observations
  • Record measurements
  • Document evidence

Complete the Report:

  • Comprehensive findings
  • Clear descriptions
  • Supporting evidence
  • Severity classifications
  • Recommendations

Share With Stakeholders:

  • Management team
  • Quality department
  • Purchasing department
  • Affected departments
  • Decision makers

Benefits:

Proper documentation improves the total manufacturing operations process by:

  • Providing clear evidence
  • Facilitating corrective actions
  • Tracking improvements
  • Creating baseline for future audits
  • Supporting decisions

Step 7: Corrective Measurements and Follow-Up

After identifying issues, the next step is implementing solutions.

Corrective Action Process:

Identify Solutions:

  • Ask for possible corrective measures
  • Evaluate proposed solutions
  • Verify feasibility
  • Assess effectiveness potential

Implementation:

  • When corrective measurements start
  • Monitor progress
  • Verify implementation
  • Check effectiveness

Follow-Up:

  • Regular follow-up visits or reports
  • Verify corrections sustained
  • Check for new issues
  • Ensure continuous improvement

Critical Consideration:

Avoid Creating New Problems: Make sure new corrective maintenance procedures don’t negatively affect other processes. Holistic view is essential.

Verification Methods:

  • Re-audit after corrections
  • Monitor production output
  • Check quality data
  • Review customer feedback
  • Verify documentation updates

All these steps streamline your production and ensure continuous improvement.

Factory Audit vs Quality Inspection

Factory audit and quality inspection share commonalities but serve different purposes. Let’s understand the distinctions:

Factory Audit

Definition: Factory audit is a complete system to analyze all working processes of a factory. Audit is a generalized term covering the total operation of a factory.

Scope: It involves quality, capability, social compliance, or environmental factors—covering everything to provide a broader picture.

Characteristics:

Comprehensive:

  • Entire facility assessment
  • All systems reviewed
  • Complete operational analysis
  • Long-term perspective

Holistic:

  • Quality systems
  • Production capabilities
  • Social compliance
  • Environmental practices
  • Safety standards
  • Management systems

Strategic:

  • Supplier selection
  • Partnership decisions
  • Long-term planning
  • Risk assessment

Quality Inspection

Definition: Quality inspection provides an overview of a specific task in the supply chain process. This specific task concerns only that particular interval.

Scope: Focuses on specific elements:

  • Specific machine performance
  • Product quality at a moment
  • Packaging quality
  • Shipment verification

Characteristics:

Specific:

  • Targeted assessment
  • Point-in-time evaluation
  • Product-focused
  • Detailed examination

Operational:

  • Current production status
  • Immediate quality issues
  • Specific batch assessment
  • Defect identification

Tactical:

  • Accept/reject decisions
  • Immediate corrective actions
  • Shipment approval
  • Quality verification

3 Important Ways Factory Audits Differ from Factory Inspections

As an importer, both factory audits and quality inspections are important. They differ in three critical ways:

1. Factory Audits are About the Long Term, Factory Inspections are About the Short Term

Factory Audit Focus:

Long-Term Relationship:

  • Capacity assessment for future growth
  • Can the factory scale with you?
  • Sustainability of partnership
  • Strategic alignment

Duration Perspective:

  • Multi-year relationship potential
  • Growth capability
  • Continuous improvement
  • Partnership development

Personal Experience:

“When I am choosing a factory, I keep an eye on future goals. How this company works with me and what it will achieve in the future. It shows sustainability.”

Quality Inspection Focus:

Short-Term Assessment:

  • Runtime information at a moment
  • Current production status
  • Immediate quality status
  • Specific shipment quality

Immediate Concerns:

  • This shipment quality
  • Current defect rates
  • Packaging adequacy right now
  • Ready-to-ship status

Relationship:

  • Factory audit develops long-term relations
  • Quality inspection matures relationship at specific points

2. Factory Audits are About the Big Picture, Inspections are About the Little Picture

Factory Audit Scope:

Broader Perspective:

  • Total quality management
  • Complete operational assessment
  • Entire facility capabilities
  • All systems and processes
  • Overall supplier evaluation

Strategic View:

  • Can they meet all your needs?
  • What’s their full capability?
  • How do all systems work together?
  • What’s their potential?

Quality Inspection Scope:

Specific Focus:

  • Product quality for specific shipment
  • Particular batch assessment
  • Defined inspection points
  • Limited scope

Example: DUPRO (During Production) inspection:

  • Visual inspection
  • Packaging check
  • Labeling verification
  • Specific production run

More focused, less comprehensive

3. Audits Help You Establish the Right Relationships, Factory Inspections Help You Make Sure You’re on Track

Factory Audit Purpose:

Relationship Building:

  • Social compliance audit builds partnerships
  • Choose friendly factory to work with
  • Establish trust and cooperation
  • Long-term compatibility assessment

Supplier Selection:

  • Is this the right partner?
  • Can we work together long-term?
  • Shared values and goals?
  • Compatible business practices?

Quality Inspection Purpose:

Progress Monitoring:

  • Are we on track?
  • Is this shipment acceptable?
  • Meeting timeline?
  • Quality standards maintained?

Ongoing Verification:

  • You inspect companies you’re already working with
  • Verification of current production
  • Maintaining established standards
  • Ensuring consistent quality

Factory Audit of Social Responsibility

Voice against corporate corruption and labor violations enacted social responsibility requirements for factories. Social responsibility checklist contains the following elements:

Strategy and Vision

Company Vision Statement: Social responsibility checklist must contain all aspects of the company’s vision statement regarding social responsibility.

Key Elements:

Social Commitment:

  • How do they view social responsibility?
  • What are their social goals?
  • Community involvement
  • Ethical business practices

Stakeholder Relations:

  • How do they relate to other companies?
  • Supplier relationships
  • Community engagement
  • Industry participation

Long-Term Perspective:

  • Sustainability goals
  • Social impact objectives
  • Continuous improvement
  • Legacy building

Accountability and Oversight

Human Rights Department:

The company must have a dedicated human rights or social responsibility department.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitoring:

  • Keep check on behavior of higher authorities
  • Monitor management practices
  • Review employee treatment
  • Assess working conditions

Enforcement:

  • Ensure policy compliance
  • Address violations
  • Implement corrective actions
  • Maintain standards

Reporting:

  • Regular reporting to management
  • Transparency in issues
  • Documentation of violations
  • Progress tracking

Governance Structure:

Independent Oversight:

  • Independent from production management
  • Direct reporting to top management
  • Authority to enforce policies
  • Protection from retaliation

Risk Identification

Ethics Monitoring:

The checklist must have risk identification methods that keep check on ethics followed by employees at all levels.

Risk Assessment Areas:

Labor Practices:

  • Working hour violations
  • Wage payment issues
  • Child labor risks
  • Forced labor indicators
  • Discrimination risks

Safety Hazards:

  • Workplace safety risks
  • Health hazards
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Accident prevention

Environmental Risks:

  • Pollution violations
  • Waste management issues
  • Environmental damage
  • Resource conservation

Corruption Risks:

  • Bribery potential
  • Fraud risks
  • Financial irregularities
  • Unethical practices

Mitigation Strategies:

Risk Management:

  • Identified risks documented
  • Mitigation plans developed
  • Regular risk assessment
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Improvement tracking

Factory Audit of Security

Security audits ensure facilities meet international security standards and protect supply chains from various threats.

Global Security Verification (GSV Audit)

Program Overview:

GSV is a program by Intertek to help importers and suppliers by assessing security procedures based on international supply chain security requirements.

Benefits:

Efficiency:

  • Improves audit process efficiency
  • Standardized assessment
  • Consistent evaluation
  • Reduced redundancy

Quality:

  • Ensures consistency
  • Better reporting capabilities
  • Comprehensive assessment
  • International recognition

Security Areas Assessed:

Physical Security:

  • Facility perimeter security
  • Access control systems
  • Surveillance systems
  • Lighting and monitoring
  • Intrusion detection

Procedural Security:

  • Security policies and procedures
  • Access authorization
  • Visitor management
  • Key control
  • Security training

Container Security:

  • Container inspection procedures
  • Seal controls
  • Loading supervision
  • Container storage security

Personnel Security:

  • Background checks
  • Identification systems
  • Security awareness training
  • Termination procedures

Information Security:

  • IT security systems
  • Data protection
  • Password controls
  • Cybersecurity measures

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Audit

Program Overview:

C-TPAT is a US Customs and Border Protection program that provides supply chain security, verifies manufacturer compliance, and enhances US border security.

Audit Coverage:

Vital Items:

  • High-value products
  • Technology products
  • Sensitive materials
  • Regulated goods

IT Security:

  • Cybersecurity measures
  • Data protection
  • System security
  • Access controls

Security Types Provided:

Physical Security:

  • Facility security
  • Building protection
  • Perimeter security
  • Access control

Container Security:

  • Container integrity
  • Seal requirements
  • Loading supervision
  • Tracking systems

Procedural Security:

  • Security procedures
  • Documentation
  • Personnel training
  • Compliance verification

Conveyance Security:

  • Transport vehicle security
  • Driver verification
  • Route security
  • Tracking systems

Personnel Security:

  • Background screening
  • Access authorization
  • Security awareness
  • Accountability

Training and Awareness:

Security Training:

  • Regular security training programs
  • Threat awareness education
  • Emergency response training
  • Continuous education

Benefits:

If you have C-TPAT certification:

  • Your products take less time in customs clearance
  • Reduced border inspection times
  • Faster delivery to customers
  • Enhanced supply chain security
  • Improved business reputation

Factory Audit by Big Brands

Big brands maintain the highest standards of supply chain management. Every major brand has its own audit system, but passing their audits significantly improves your supplier’s capabilities.

Brand audit systems typically include three common components:

1. Social Compliance Audit

Importance:

Social compliance audits are vital for all global supply chains. They’re designed so suppliers can demonstrate compliance with local laws and international standards.

Purpose:

Legal Compliance:

  • Test supplier alignment with local laws
  • Verify labor law compliance
  • Ensure regulatory adherence
  • Maintain legal standards

Social Responsibility:

  • Compel business partners to uphold social responsibility
  • Protect worker rights and welfare
  • Promote ethical practices
  • Enhance social impact

International Standards:

SA8000 Standard: Audits adhere to SA8000 international standard for:

  • Working conditions
  • Labor rights
  • Fair treatment
  • Health and safety

Benefits:

Risk Reduction:

  • Reduces environmental harm risk
  • Prevents social harm
  • Mitigates legal risks
  • Protects brand reputation

Transparency:

  • Confirms integrity
  • Ensures transparency
  • Maintains consistency
  • Builds trust

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Working hours and overtime
  • Wages and compensation
  • Child labor prevention
  • Forced labor elimination
  • Health and safety
  • Freedom of association
  • Discrimination prevention
  • Disciplinary practices
  • Management systems

2. Quality Control Audit

Audit Scope:

A quality control audit involves precise scrutiny of a quality system, forming a necessary part of a factory’s quality management system.

ISO Standards Requirement:

Quality control audit is a prerequisite in ISO standards for factories, particularly ISO 9001.

Audit Components:

Quality Management System:

  • QMS documentation
  • Quality policies
  • Procedures and processes
  • Quality objectives

Production Control:

  • Process controls
  • In-process inspection
  • Testing protocols
  • Verification methods

Quality Records:

  • Documentation systems
  • Record keeping
  • Traceability
  • Data analysis

Corrective Actions:

  • Problem identification
  • Root cause analysis
  • Corrective measures
  • Preventive actions
  • Effectiveness verification

Continuous Improvement:

  • Quality improvement initiatives
  • Performance monitoring
  • Management review
  • System updates

3. Security Audit

Comprehensive Assessment:

Security audit is the most comprehensive form of audit, involving complete overview of a factory’s security systems and processes.

Audit Scope:

All-Encompassing Review:

  • Complete security systems
  • All security processes
  • Physical security
  • Procedural security
  • IT security
  • Personnel security

Security Areas:

Facility Security:

  • Building security
  • Perimeter protection
  • Access control
  • Surveillance systems
  • Alarm systems

Cargo Security:

  • Container security
  • Loading procedures
  • Seal controls
  • Storage security
  • Transport security

Information Security:

  • Data protection
  • IT security
  • Cybersecurity
  • Access controls
  • Backup systems

Personnel Security:

  • Background checks
  • Access authorization
  • Security training
  • Visitor management
  • Termination procedures

Benefits:

Passing big brand security audits:

  • Qualifies supplier for major brands
  • Demonstrates high security standards
  • Opens doors to premium customers
  • Enhances business reputation
  • Justifies premium pricing

The 6 Common Social Compliance Audit Standards in China

Understanding major social compliance standards helps you assess which certifications your supplier should hold.

1. BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)

Overview:

BSCI provides companies with a social auditing method and comprehensive reporting system.

Focus Areas:

Labor Standards:

  • Protects workers’ rights
  • Ensures fair treatment
  • Maintains safe working conditions
  • Promotes ethical employment

International Frameworks:

BSCI incorporates:

  • ILO (International Labour Organization) standards
  • UN Charter on Human Rights
  • International labor conventions
  • Ethical business practices

Key Requirements:

  • Freedom of association
  • No discrimination
  • Fair compensation
  • Reasonable working hours
  • Health and safety
  • No child labor
  • No forced labor
  • Environmental responsibility
  • Ethical business behavior
  • Management systems

Audit Process:

  • Initial assessment
  • Full audit
  • Follow-up audits
  • Continuous improvement
  • Performance rating

2. Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)

Overview:

Sedex is one of the leading ethical service providers in the supply chain, committed to improving work environments and growing sustainable business development.

Platform Features:

Data Sharing:

  • Ethical data exchange
  • Supply chain transparency
  • Performance tracking
  • Benchmark comparison

Membership Benefits:

For Suppliers:

  • Share audit results
  • Reduce duplicate audits
  • Demonstrate compliance
  • Access improvement resources

For Buyers:

  • Access supplier data
  • Risk assessment
  • Compliance verification
  • Supply chain visibility

Assessment Areas:

Labor Standards:

  • Working conditions
  • Fair wages
  • Reasonable hours
  • Worker rights

Health & Safety:

  • Safe working environment
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Accident prevention
  • Health programs

Environment:

  • Environmental management
  • Pollution prevention
  • Resource conservation
  • Sustainability

Business Ethics:

  • Anti-corruption
  • Fair business practices
  • Transparency
  • Accountability

3. ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries)

Overview:

ICTI promotes the toy industry while focusing on safety standards, environmental concerns, lawful employment, and workplace safety.

ICTI CARE Process:

CARE stands for:

  • Caring (for workers)
  • Awareness (of responsibilities)
  • Responsibility (for practices)
  • Ethics (in business)

Focus Areas:

Toy Safety:

  • Product safety standards
  • Testing requirements
  • Quality control
  • Compliance verification

Environmental Protection:

  • Environmental management
  • Pollution prevention
  • Waste management
  • Resource conservation

Worker Welfare:

  • Fair employment
  • Safe working conditions
  • Fair wages
  • Reasonable hours

Ethical Practices:

  • No child labor
  • No forced labor
  • Freedom of association
  • Non-discrimination

Certification Levels:

  • A (Highest)
  • B
  • C

4. SA8000 (Social Accountability 8000)

Overview:

SA8000 is an international standard that encourages organizations to adopt acceptable practices in the workplace, creating standards for gauging social compliance.

Standard Elements:

Nine Key Requirements:

  1. Child Labor:
    • No employment of children
    • Age verification
    • Remediation procedures
  2. Forced Labor:
    • No forced or compulsory labor
    • Freedom to leave employment
    • No withholding of documents
  3. Health and Safety:
    • Safe working environment
    • Health programs
    • Accident prevention
    • Emergency preparedness
  4. Freedom of Association:
    • Right to form unions
    • Collective bargaining
    • No retaliation
    • Worker representation
  5. Discrimination:
    • No discrimination
    • Equal opportunity
    • Fair treatment
    • Diversity respect
  6. Disciplinary Practices:
    • No corporal punishment
    • No mental/physical coercion
    • No verbal abuse
    • Fair disciplinary procedures
  7. Working Hours:
    • Compliance with laws
    • Reasonable hours
    • Adequate rest
    • Voluntary overtime
  8. Compensation:
    • Living wages
    • Timely payment
    • Legal benefits
    • No deductions as punishment
  9. Management Systems:
    • Policy development
    • Management review
    • Worker involvement
    • Continuous improvement

Certification Process:

  • Initial assessment
  • Gap analysis
  • Implementation
  • Pre-assessment audit
  • Certification audit
  • Surveillance audits

5. EICC (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition)

Now Called RBA (Responsible Business Alliance)

Overview:

EICC/RBA is a nonprofit coalition of electronics, retail, automotive, and toy companies focusing on supporting rights and welfare of workers affected by the electronics supply chain.

Code of Conduct:

Five Main Sections:

1. Labor:

  • Freely chosen employment
  • Young workers protection
  • Working hours
  • Wages and benefits
  • Humane treatment
  • Non-discrimination
  • Freedom of association

2. Health and Safety:

  • Occupational safety
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Occupational injury and illness
  • Industrial hygiene
  • Physically demanding work
  • Machine safeguarding
  • Sanitation, food, and housing
  • Health and safety communication

3. Environment:

  • Environmental permits
  • Pollution prevention
  • Hazardous substances
  • Wastewater and solid waste
  • Air emissions
  • Product content restrictions
  • Storm water management
  • Energy consumption

4. Ethics:

  • Business integrity
  • No improper advantage
  • Disclosure of information
  • Intellectual property
  • Fair business practices
  • Protection of identity
  • Responsible sourcing of minerals

5. Management Systems:

  • Company commitment
  • Management accountability
  • Legal compliance
  • Risk assessment
  • Training
  • Communication
  • Worker feedback
  • Audits and assessments
  • Corrective action process
  • Documentation and records

6. WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)

Overview:

WRAP is an independent, nonprofit organization of global social compliance experts dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing practices worldwide.

Focus Industry:

Primarily focused on sewn products industry:

  • Apparel
  • Footwear
  • Sewn products
  • Related industries

12 WRAP Principles:

  1. Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations
  2. Prohibition of Forced Labor
  3. Prohibition of Child Labor
  4. Prohibition of Harassment or Abuse
  5. Compensation and Benefits
  6. Hours of Work
  7. Prohibition of Discrimination
  8. Health and Safety
  9. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
  10. Environment
  11. Customs Compliance
  12. Security

Certification Levels:

Gold (2 years):

  • Exceptional compliance
  • Best practices
  • Comprehensive systems

Silver (1 year):

  • Full compliance
  • Strong systems
  • Minor improvements needed

Platinum (3 years):

  • Sustained excellence
  • Industry leadership
  • Continuous improvement

Benefits:

  • Industry recognition
  • Reduced audit duplication
  • Access to major brands
  • Competitive advantage
  • Continuous improvement framework

How BSA GROUP Helps You Do Factory Audits in China

You’ve seen the comprehensive factory audit process above. BSA GROUP is the best factory audit service provider in China.

Have you found your product?
Are you searching for a manufacturer?

Contact us. BSA GROUP will be happy to help you in every way.

Our Factory Audit Services

Detailed Factory Audit via Live Video:

We can provide you with detailed factory audits through live video connections, allowing you to:

  • See facilities in real-time
  • Ask questions during the audit
  • Request specific areas be examined
  • Make informed decisions immediately
  • Save travel time and costs

Comprehensive Documentation:

We provide all necessary documentation while keeping you in the loop at every point:

  • Detailed audit reports
  • Photographic evidence
  • Video documentation
  • Compliance verification
  • Recommendations

Complete Service Coverage

From Source to Final Delivery:

BSA GROUP covers everything from sourcing to final delivery at your preferred address:

Supplier Finding:

  • Identify potential suppliers
  • Initial screening
  • Capability assessment
  • Shortlist preparation

Factory Audit:

  • Comprehensive facility assessment
  • Quality system evaluation
  • Social compliance verification
  • Security audit
  • Technical capability review

Quality Control:

  • Pre-production inspection
  • During production inspection
  • Pre-shipment inspection
  • Container loading inspection

Logistics:

  • Shipping coordination
  • Customs clearance
  • Delivery to your location
  • After-sales support

Top Quality Auditors

Professional Team:

We have top-quality auditors who can go to every extent to secure your deal at the best price possible.

Auditor Qualifications:

Experience:

  • 10+ years in factory auditing
  • Industry-specific expertise
  • International standards knowledge
  • China manufacturing understanding

Certifications:

  • Professional auditor certifications
  • Industry-specific credentials
  • Continuous training
  • International standards expertise

Capabilities:

  • Technical assessments
  • Social compliance evaluation
  • Security audits
  • Quality system review
  • Comprehensive reporting

E-Commerce Specialization

BSA GROUP provides both Factory Audit and Quality Inspection for:

E-Commerce Platforms:

  • Amazon FBA
  • eBay
  • Shopify stores
  • Alibaba
  • All other e-commerce platforms

Specialized Services:

Amazon FBA:

  • Packaging inspection for FBA requirements
  • Labeling verification
  • Product quality checks
  • Shipment preparation
  • Prep services coordination

Multi-Channel Sellers:

  • Platform-specific requirements
  • Quality consistency across channels
  • Inventory management support
  • Documentation assistance

Why Choose BSA GROUP for Factory Audits?

Experience:

  • 5,000+ completed audit projects
  • 4,000+ satisfied clients
  • 135 countries served
  • 100+ professional staff

Expertise:

  • All audit types covered
  • Industry-specific knowledge
  • International standards compliance
  • Local market understanding

Quality:

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Detailed reporting
  • Actionable recommendations
  • Follow-up support

Service:

  • 24/7 customer support
  • Responsive communication
  • Transparent pricing
  • No hidden fees

Network:

  • Extensive China presence
  • Partner lab network
  • Industry connections
  • Global reach

Conclusion

Factory audits are essential for successful importing and long-term supplier relationships. They provide comprehensive assessment of manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, social compliance, and security measures.

Key Takeaways:

✓ Factory Audits Are Essential – Never skip this critical step
✓ Multiple Audit Types – Choose audits matching your needs
✓ Comprehensive Checklists – Cover all essential areas
✓ Professional Auditors – Use experienced audit services
✓ Long-Term Perspective – Audits differ from inspections
✓ Social Responsibility – Verify ethical practices
✓ Security Matters – Ensure supply chain security
✓ Big Brand Standards – Aim for highest standards
✓ Continuous Improvement – Follow up and verify corrections

Benefits of Proper Factory Audits:

  • Risk mitigation
  • Quality assurance
  • Long-term supplier relationships
  • Brand protection
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Competitive advantage
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Business growth

Do You Want a Successful Import Business?

Partner with BSA GROUP for comprehensive factory audit services in China. Our experienced auditors ensure you work with capable, compliant, and reliable manufacturers.

BSA GROUP Factory Audit Services Include:

✓ Manufacturing capability audits
✓ Quality system audits
✓ Social compliance audits
✓ Environmental audits
✓ Security audits (C-TPAT, GSV)
✓ Food supplier audits
✓ GMP audits
✓ Blended system audits
✓ Stealth audits / factory visits
✓ Complete documentation
✓ Live video audits
✓ Follow-up support

Complete Supply Chain Management:

✓ Supplier identification and vetting
✓ Factory audits
✓ Quality control inspections
✓ Product testing
✓ Shipping coordination
✓ Customs clearance
✓ Final delivery

Why BSA GROUP?

  • 10+ years of experience in China
  • Professional certified auditors
  • Comprehensive audit capabilities
  • Detailed reporting
  • Competitive pricing
  • 24/7 support
  • Industry expertise
  • Global reach

Get Your Free Factory Audit Quote Today

Don’t risk your business with unverified factories. Let BSA GROUP ensure you’re working with capable, compliant manufacturers.