Inspections verify that products meet the contracted specifications, ordered quantities, quality standards, and are suitable for their intended market and use. They also help identify potential issues, such as production errors or manufacturing flaws, allowing them to be addressed at the factory before shipment — avoiding the much more costly option of corrections at destination.
IFL maintains a network of certified roaming and resident inspectors positioned throughout the east coast of China and across Southeast Asia. These inspectors conduct daily on-site inspections of flooring products and accessories at designated factories.
Each inspection is tailored to meet specific client requirements and may include raw material checks, mid-production reviews, pre-shipment inspections, and container loading supervision.
Quality is not an act, but a habit.
Raw Material inspection is a vital quality control step at the very start of the flooring production process. It involves the detailed evaluation of key inputs such as wood veneer grading, SPC powder mix formulation, and décor paper design and color — all before they enter the manufacturing line. By verifying the accuracy, consistency, and quality of these materials, potential defects or mismatches can be identified early, reducing the risk of production issues. Early detection protects the integrity of the final product, helps avoid costly rework or delays, and supports on-time shipments while minimizing complaints or claims later in the supply chain.
Mid Production inspection is carried out at key stages—typically around the midpoint of the manufacturing process—to ensure flooring products are produced in line with contracted standards and specifications. These inspections may include checks on moisture content, brushing depth, EIR (Embossed in Register) alignment, and painted bevel precision. By identifying issues early, manufacturers can make timely adjustments, reducing the risk of costly errors or delays. This inspection acts as a proactive safeguard, reinforcing the factory’s own quality control efforts and helping ensure consistent product quality and on-time delivery.
Pre-Shipment inspection is the final quality checkpoint before flooring products are loaded into containers for shipment. It verifies that finished goods meet all contracted specifications—including quantity, quality, appearance, packaging, box labeling, pallet material, and pallet markings. For each batch or container load, sample boxes are randomly selected according to AQL standards and opened to have the flooring content assembled on designated inspection tables under controlled lighting and compared against approved master samples. IFL promptly reports inspection results to the client and remains available to assist in resolving any discrepancies at the factory, including performing follow-up inspections if required.
Container Loading inspection is the last stage in the quality control process before goods depart for their destination. It confirms that the container is clean, dry, structurally sound, and suitable for transport. Inspectors also ensure that flooring products are clean, correctly packed, and securely loaded to prevent movement or damage during transit. Additionally, the inspection verifies that the correct product types and quantities are loaded in the container in accordance with the Sales Contract. By identifying and resolving any issues before the container is sealed, this step helps ensure a smooth and trouble-free delivery.
Once inspection report is complete, it is sent to the client’s attention by email along with pictures.
COLOUR COMPETENCY
Comparing product colours with master samples is a crucial step in flooring inspection. Therefore, all IFL inspectors are FM HUE certified – a globally recognized qualification that confirms their ability to accurately perceive and distinguish subtle colour variations, ensuring colour-check inspections are performed with precision and consistency.
ACCUMULATED KNOWLEDGE
With each inspection, IFL accumulates valuable experience and knowledge, which is continuously fed back into the company’s systems to enhance production, products, and services. Since its founding in 2002, IFL has built an extensive archive of quality-related data—creating a valuable and insightful database of product quality parameters. This long-term data allows us to benchmark production consistency across various factories over time.
Our long-standing reputation allows us to do our work with the full support of the factories who see IFL’s involvement as a beneficial service for the factories themselves as well as the clients.
IFL has certified roaming and resident inspectors stationed along the entire east coast of China and Southeast Asia who on a daily basis inspect flooring products and accessories in designated factories.
IFL operates a state-of-the-art flooring laboratory equipped with advanced, internationally recognized testing equipment, capable of performing over 180 physical and chemical tests in accordance with five major international standards.