Product Inspection Checklist for Amazon FBA (2026)
35 Points — Zero Surprises at the FC

Amazon's fulfillment centers are unforgiving. A single batch of defective units that pass inspection and reach Amazon — only to generate a flood of negative reviews and return requests — can damage an ASIN's ranking for months. This 35-point inspection checklist is what QuickShipment's quality control team uses on every incoming batch at our Claymont, Delaware facility.

Pre-Inspection: Carton Level (10 Points)

Before opening a single carton: 1. Count total cartons received matches purchase order; 2. Carton exterior shows no crush damage; 3. No moisture damage on carton walls or bottom; 4. Tape sealed on all edges (no open flaps); 5. Carton weight within declared range (±5%); 6. Carton dimensions within declared range; 7. "This Side Up" markings followed; 8. Carton labels legible and matching PO; 9. No evidence of infestation (insects, rodent damage); 10. No odor from carton exterior.

Unit Level Inspection (15 Points)

For a statistically valid sample: 11. Unit count per carton matches declaration; 12. Product matches approved sample (color, size, design); 13. No visible cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, chips); 14. Packaging intact and presentable; 15. FNSKU label present and correctly placed; 16. FNSKU barcode scans cleanly; 17. All components present per BOM (bill of materials); 18. Assembly required? All hardware included; 19. Batteries included if declared; 20. No manufacturing defects on primary surface; 21. Secondary surface defects within AQL tolerance; 22. Size/dimensions correct (spot measure); 23. Weight correct (spot weigh); 24. Suffocation warning present on poly bag if applicable; 25. Poly bag sealed (not just folded).

Function Testing (5 Points)

26. Item powers on (if electronic); 27. Primary function works as described; 28. All buttons/controls functional; 29. Charging works (if rechargeable); 30. No abnormal sounds during operation.

Labeling & Compliance (5 Points)

31. Product label matches Amazon listing; 32. Safety warnings present (if required by category); 33. Country of origin labeled; 34. Expiration date present and valid (food/beauty); 35. No copyright or trademark violations visible.

Using AQL Sampling

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) sampling defines statistically valid sample sizes. AQL 2.5 for major defects means: if a 1,000-unit batch is inspected with an 80-unit sample and fewer than 6 major defects are found, the batch passes. QuickShipment uses AQL 2.5 for major defects and AQL 4.0 for minor defects as our standard — the same threshold used by most Amazon category managers.