Quality control check clause: Copy, customize and use instantly
Introduction
A quality control check clause ensures that the goods or services provided under a contract meet specified standards. It protects the receiving party by requiring inspections, tests, or reviews to verify compliance with agreed quality criteria. This clause is crucial in manufacturing, supply chain, and service agreements where consistency and adherence to specifications are vital.
Below are quality control check clause templates for various scenarios. Copy the one you need, customize it, and add it to your contract.
Standard quality control clause
This clause outlines a general quality control process.
The goods or services delivered under this agreement will be subject to quality control checks conducted by [Party B] or its designated representative within [insert time frame] of delivery. [Party B] reserves the right to reject any non-compliant goods or services, which must be replaced or corrected by [Party A] at no additional cost.
Pre-delivery inspection clause
This clause mandates inspection before delivery.
[Party B] will conduct a quality control inspection of the goods at [Party A]'s facility before shipment. The goods will not be dispatched until [Party B] confirms compliance with the agreed specifications in writing.
Random sampling clause
This clause specifies random sampling for quality checks.
Quality control will be conducted through random sampling of [insert percentage] of the delivered goods. If more than [insert threshold]% of the sampled goods fail to meet the agreed standards, [Party B] reserves the right to reject the entire batch.
Third-party inspection clause
This clause requires independent quality verification.
The goods or services delivered under this agreement will be subject to quality control checks by an independent third-party inspector appointed by [Party B]. The cost of inspection will be borne by [Party A] unless the goods or services are found compliant.
Continuous monitoring clause
This clause establishes ongoing quality checks.
[Party B] reserves the right to conduct periodic quality control checks during the term of this agreement. Any deficiencies identified must be remedied by [Party A] within [insert time frame] of notice, at [Party A]'s expense.
Certification-based clause
This clause ties quality control to industry certifications.
All goods or services provided must meet the quality standards specified in [insert certification or standard, e.g., ISO 9001]. Proof of compliance must be submitted by [Party A] with each delivery.
Escalation clause for repeated failures
This clause provides consequences for recurring quality issues.
If [Party A] fails quality control checks on more than [insert number] occasions during the term of this agreement, [Party B] reserves the right to suspend further orders or terminate this agreement.
Quality dispute resolution clause
This clause sets procedures for resolving quality disputes.
In the event of a dispute regarding quality control results, the parties agree to appoint an independent expert to evaluate the goods or services. The decision of the expert will be final and binding, and the costs will be shared equally by both parties.
Warranty-linked quality clause
This clause connects quality control to warranty obligations.
Any goods or services failing to meet quality control standards will be considered defective and covered under [Party A]'s warranty obligations. [Party A] must repair, replace, or refund the defective goods or services within [insert time frame].
Tailored product-specific clause
This clause is customized for specific products.
All [insert product name] provided under this agreement must pass a [insert type of test, e.g., stress test] conducted by [Party B]. Non-compliant products will be documented, and a corrective action plan must be submitted by [Party A] within [insert time frame].
Delivery-based inspection clause
This clause links inspection to delivery timelines.
All goods delivered will be inspected within [insert time frame] of receipt by [Party B]. If no quality issues are reported within this period, the goods will be deemed accepted unless latent defects are discovered later.
Process-driven quality control clause
This clause defines a structured process for quality control.
Quality control will follow the procedures outlined in [insert document or annex]. Any goods or services not meeting the specified standards will be reported to [Party A] within [insert time frame], and corrective actions must be implemented immediately.
Benchmark-driven clause
This clause requires adherence to predefined benchmarks.
All goods or services delivered must meet the benchmarks outlined in [insert appendix or agreement section]. [Party B] reserves the right to conduct periodic checks to ensure consistency with these benchmarks. Non-compliance will result in [insert consequence, e.g., withholding payment].
Batch-specific clause
This clause focuses on individual batches.
Each batch of goods delivered will be subject to a quality control check. [Party B] may reject any batch that fails to meet the agreed specifications, and such batches must be replaced at [Party A]’s expense within [insert time frame].
On-site quality control clause
This clause involves inspections at the production site.
[Party B] reserves the right to conduct quality control inspections at [Party A]'s production site with [insert notice period]. Any deficiencies identified during the inspection must be rectified before shipment.
Seasonal quality control clause
This clause addresses seasonal or periodic changes.
Quality control standards will adjust seasonally to account for [insert reason, e.g., environmental factors]. [Party A] agrees to comply with updated standards provided in writing by [Party B].
Final assembly check clause
This clause applies to assembled products.
All final assemblies delivered under this agreement must pass a quality control inspection by [Party B] within [insert time frame]. Any non-compliant assemblies will be returned to [Party A] for rework at no additional cost.
Defect threshold clause
This clause defines an acceptable defect threshold.
Delivered goods will be inspected for defects, with an acceptable defect threshold of [insert percentage]. If defects exceed this threshold, [Party B] reserves the right to reject the entire shipment or demand corrective action.
Service-focused quality clause
This clause applies to service agreements.
The services provided must meet the quality standards outlined in [insert section or annex]. [Party B] reserves the right to request reviews and adjustments if performance falls below the agreed standards.
Client-specific standards clause
This clause tailors quality control to a client’s needs.
The goods or services provided under this agreement must adhere to [Party B]’s specific quality standards, as outlined in [insert document or annex]. Deviations from these standards must be pre-approved in writing.
Rapid response clause
This clause requires immediate action for defects.
If quality control checks reveal defects, [Party A] must initiate corrective actions within [insert time frame] of receiving notice. Failure to do so will result in [insert consequence, e.g., contract suspension].
Supplier quality assurance clause
This clause involves supplier compliance.
[Party A] will ensure that all suppliers contributing to the goods or services comply with the quality standards outlined in this agreement. Supplier certifications and quality control reports must be provided upon request.
Retention of samples clause
This clause requires retaining product samples for testing.
[Party A] agrees to retain samples of each production batch for quality control purposes. Samples must be stored for a minimum of [insert time frame] and made available to [Party B] upon request for testing.
Random inspection clause
This clause allows for unscheduled quality control checks.
[Party B] reserves the right to perform random quality inspections of goods or services at any stage of production or delivery. Non-compliance identified during these inspections must be corrected within [insert time frame] at [Party A]’s expense.
Pre-shipment inspection clause
This clause ensures quality before delivery.
[Party B] will inspect all goods prior to shipment to ensure compliance with agreed-upon specifications. Shipment approval will only be granted upon successful completion of the inspection process.
Third-party quality audit clause
This clause involves independent verification.
Quality control checks may be conducted by an independent third party chosen by [Party B]. Any non-compliance identified during these audits must be resolved within [insert time frame], with all costs borne by [Party A].
Continuous improvement clause
This clause emphasizes ongoing quality enhancements.
[Party A] agrees to implement a continuous improvement process to ensure quality standards are maintained and enhanced over time. Regular reviews will be conducted by [Party B] to assess compliance and progress.
Warranty-backed quality clause
This clause ties quality to warranty obligations.
The quality of goods or services delivered will be warranted for a period of [insert time frame]. Any defects identified within this period must be remedied at [Party A]’s expense, including repair or replacement.
Data-driven quality clause
This clause requires regular reporting on quality metrics.
[Party A] will provide regular quality control reports, including key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in this agreement. Failure to meet KPIs may result in corrective actions or penalties as determined by [Party B].
Environmental quality clause
This clause links quality to environmental standards.
All goods or services must meet the environmental quality standards outlined in [insert section or document]. Non-compliance with these standards will be treated as a material breach of this agreement.
Certification-based quality clause
This clause ties quality to industry certifications.
[Party A] must maintain [insert certification, e.g., ISO 9001] throughout the term of this agreement. Failure to do so will result in [insert consequence, e.g., contract termination or suspension of work].
Final customer satisfaction clause
This clause involves the end-user perspective.
Quality standards will be measured based on end-customer satisfaction scores collected by [Party B]. Scores falling below [insert threshold] will require corrective measures by [Party A].
Risk-based quality clause
This clause focuses on high-risk areas.
Quality control efforts will prioritize high-risk components or processes identified in [insert risk assessment document]. Any deviations from agreed standards must be corrected immediately upon discovery.
Penalty-backed quality clause
This clause enforces penalties for non-compliance.
For each instance of non-compliance with quality standards, [Party A] will incur a penalty of [insert amount]. Repeated failures may result in contract suspension or termination.
Remote monitoring clause
This clause incorporates technology in quality control.
[Party B] may use remote monitoring tools to assess compliance with quality standards in real time. Any deviations must be addressed immediately by [Party A].
Client-end verification clause
This clause allows for client-side checks.
All goods or services delivered under this agreement will be subject to final quality verification at [Party B]’s facility or site. Any issues identified during this verification process must be resolved at [Party A]’s cost.
Pilot batch quality clause
This clause ensures quality control through an initial test batch.
[Party A] will provide a pilot batch of goods or services for quality evaluation before full production or delivery. Approval of this batch by [Party B] is required prior to proceeding with the remainder of the agreement.
Supplier accountability clause
This clause holds suppliers responsible for quality.
[Party A] will ensure that all third-party suppliers adhere to the quality standards outlined in this agreement. [Party A] remains fully responsible for addressing any non-compliance by its suppliers.
On-site inspection clause
This clause allows physical inspections at production sites.
[Party B] may conduct on-site quality inspections at [Party A]’s facilities during regular business hours. [Party A] must provide access and necessary support to facilitate these inspections.
Escalation for quality failures clause
This clause defines escalation steps for recurring quality issues.
In the event of repeated quality failures, [Party B] reserves the right to escalate the matter by implementing stricter inspection protocols or engaging external auditors, with costs borne by [Party A].
Joint quality review clause
This clause emphasizes collaborative quality assessments.
[Party A] and [Party B] will conduct joint quality reviews at regular intervals, with findings documented and mutually agreed action plans implemented to address any deficiencies.
Tiered compliance clause
This clause defines different levels of quality compliance.
[Party A] must meet the quality compliance levels defined as [insert levels, e.g., "baseline," "preferred," and "optimal"]. Failure to maintain baseline standards may result in contract suspension or additional oversight.
Pre-production approval clause
This clause mandates quality approval before production starts.
[Party A] must obtain [Party B]’s written approval of production specifications and quality standards before commencing production. Any deviations without prior approval will constitute a breach of this agreement.
Corrective action timeline clause
This clause sets strict deadlines for addressing issues.
[Party A] agrees to implement corrective actions for any quality non-compliance within [insert time frame] upon notification by [Party B]. Failure to meet this timeline may result in penalties or contract termination.
Customer complaint resolution clause
This clause focuses on addressing end-user feedback.
[Party A] will address all customer complaints related to quality within [insert time frame]. Recurring complaints may trigger additional quality control measures or financial penalties.
Specialized equipment clause
This clause ties quality to specific equipment usage.
[Party A] agrees to use [insert specific equipment or tools] as specified in this agreement to ensure adherence to quality standards. Any changes to equipment must be approved by [Party B] in writing.
Certification audit clause
This clause incorporates certification audits into quality checks.
[Party A] agrees to periodic certification audits conducted by [Party B] or its designated representatives to verify compliance with agreed quality standards. Non-compliance will require immediate rectification.
Defect threshold clause
This clause defines acceptable defect rates.
The defect rate for goods or services delivered under this agreement must not exceed [insert percentage]. Exceeding this threshold will result in penalties or additional oversight by [Party B].
Quality training clause
This clause requires training to meet quality expectations.
[Party A] will provide periodic training to its staff to ensure adherence to the quality standards outlined in this agreement. Training records must be made available to [Party B] upon request.
Warranty-backed quality clause
This clause ties quality control to warranties.
[Party A] warrants that all goods or services delivered under this agreement will meet the quality standards outlined herein. Any failure to meet these standards will require replacement or repair at [Party A]’s expense.
Independent audit clause
This clause includes external audits for quality assurance.
[Party B] may engage an independent auditor to assess [Party A]’s compliance with the agreed quality standards. [Party A] agrees to cooperate fully and provide access to all relevant records and facilities.
Ongoing monitoring clause
This clause emphasizes continuous quality tracking.
[Party A] will implement ongoing quality monitoring systems to ensure compliance with the agreed standards. Reports on quality performance must be submitted to [Party B] on a [monthly/quarterly] basis.
Penalty for substandard quality clause
This clause imposes financial penalties for non-compliance.
In the event of substandard quality, [Party B] reserves the right to deduct [insert percentage or amount] from payments due to [Party A] for the affected goods or services.
Third-party testing clause
This clause mandates independent testing for quality validation.
[Party A] must submit all goods or services for testing by a third-party laboratory or inspection body approved by [Party B]. Certification of quality compliance must be provided before delivery.
Seasonal adjustment clause
This clause accounts for seasonal factors impacting quality.
[Party A] will adjust quality control measures to address seasonal variations in raw materials or production processes. These adjustments must be documented and approved by [Party B].
Data-driven quality clause
This clause emphasizes analytics in quality control.
[Party A] agrees to utilize data analytics tools to monitor and improve quality compliance. Detailed reports and metrics must be shared with [Party B] for review and feedback.
Escrow for quality issues clause
This clause ties payments to quality benchmarks.
[Party B] will hold [insert percentage] of the payment in escrow until [Party A] demonstrates compliance with the agreed quality standards. Release of escrow funds is contingent on successful quality audits.
Prototype approval clause
This clause focuses on quality assurance through prototypes.
Before commencing full-scale production, [Party A] must provide a prototype or sample for [Party B]’s review and approval. Any deviations from the approved prototype will require prior consent.
Industry standards clause
This clause ties quality expectations to industry benchmarks.
[Party A] will ensure that all goods or services comply with [insert specific industry standards]. Any failure to meet these standards will constitute a material breach of this agreement.
Contingency quality clause
This clause addresses quality during unforeseen disruptions.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances affecting production, [Party A] must implement contingency quality measures and inform [Party B] within [insert time frame].
Custom product quality clause
This clause addresses bespoke product requirements.
For all custom goods or services, [Party A] must adhere to the specifications provided by [Party B]. Any deviation without written approval will result in rejection of the goods or services.
Regulatory compliance clause
This clause ensures compliance with legal quality standards.
[Party A] must comply with all applicable regulatory quality standards for goods or services under this agreement. Any violations must be reported to [Party B] immediately, along with a corrective action plan.
Peer review clause
This clause includes peer evaluation for quality assurance.
[Party A] will subject its quality assurance processes to peer review by [Party B] or its designated representatives. Peer review findings must be addressed within [insert time frame].
Customer feedback quality clause
This clause incorporates customer input into quality control.
[Party A] will regularly collect and review customer feedback regarding the quality of goods or services provided under this agreement. Adjustments to quality processes must be made based on recurring concerns or requests identified by [Party B].
Corrective action plan clause
This clause emphasizes remediation for quality issues.
If [Party A] fails to meet the agreed quality standards, [Party A] must submit a corrective action plan to [Party B] within [insert time frame] detailing steps to resolve deficiencies and prevent recurrence.
Certification requirement clause
This clause requires certifications for quality assurance.
All goods or services provided by [Party A] must carry certifications from [insert certification body], demonstrating compliance with the quality standards agreed upon in this agreement.
Supply chain quality clause
This clause ensures supplier compliance with quality expectations.
[Party A] will ensure that all suppliers and subcontractors involved in fulfilling this agreement adhere to the agreed quality standards. [Party A] is responsible for auditing and verifying supplier compliance.
Innovation quality clause
This clause links quality improvement to innovation efforts.
[Party A] will continuously invest in process innovations to enhance quality standards. Regular updates on innovation progress must be shared with [Party B] every [insert time frame].
Incident response quality clause
This clause provides a response framework for quality failures.
In the event of a significant quality incident, [Party A] must notify [Party B] within [insert time frame] and implement an immediate response plan. A detailed incident report must follow within [insert additional time frame].
Real-time monitoring clause
This clause prioritizes live tracking of quality metrics.
[Party A] will employ real-time monitoring systems to track compliance with quality standards. [Party B] will have access to live dashboards to review performance data at any time.
Replacement guarantee clause
This clause ensures immediate action for defective goods.
Any goods failing to meet the agreed quality standards will be replaced by [Party A] at no additional cost to [Party B] within [insert time frame].
Benchmark comparison clause
This clause measures quality against industry leaders.
The quality of goods or services delivered under this agreement must match or exceed benchmarks set by leading competitors in the [insert industry]. Failure to meet these benchmarks will require remedial action by [Party A].
Periodic review clause
This clause ensures quality is evaluated over time.
Quality standards will be reviewed and updated by mutual agreement between [Party A] and [Party B] every [insert time frame] to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
Environmental quality clause
This clause ties quality standards to sustainability.
All goods or services must meet the agreed environmental quality standards, including [insert specific requirements]. Non-compliance will result in immediate review and potential contract suspension.
User training quality clause
This clause incorporates user preparedness into quality metrics.
[Party A] will provide user training materials to [Party B] to ensure the proper use of goods or services. Quality compliance will include the usability and functionality experienced by [Party B]’s personnel.
Continuous improvement clause
This clause emphasizes the evolution of quality systems.
[Party A] will implement a continuous improvement program to refine and enhance quality processes. Milestones and achievements must be reported to [Party B] semi-annually.
Co-branded quality standards clause
This clause applies to shared branding agreements.
In cases of co-branded goods or services, [Party A] agrees to meet or exceed the quality standards specified by [Party B] to protect mutual brand integrity. Periodic joint reviews will ensure compliance.
Calibration compliance clause
This clause ensures equipment used meets required quality standards.
[Party A] agrees to maintain and calibrate all equipment used in providing goods or services under this agreement to meet the industry-recognized standards. Records of calibration and maintenance will be made available to [Party B] upon request.
Random inspection clause
This clause allows for unannounced quality inspections.
[Party B] reserves the right to conduct random inspections of goods or services provided by [Party A] to ensure compliance with agreed quality standards. Non-compliance discovered during these inspections must be addressed immediately by [Party A].
Staff qualification clause
This clause focuses on personnel expertise.
All personnel assigned by [Party A] to perform services under this agreement must hold the necessary qualifications and certifications relevant to their roles. [Party A] will provide proof of qualifications upon request by [Party B].
Quality milestone clause
This clause ties payment or progression to achieving quality benchmarks.
Payments under this agreement are contingent upon [Party A] meeting quality milestones outlined in [insert attachment or section]. Failure to meet milestones will delay payment until corrective measures are implemented.
Product recall clause
This clause provides a framework for defective product recalls.
In the event of a recall of goods due to quality issues, [Party A] is responsible for all recall-related costs, including retrieval, replacement, and customer notifications. A recall plan must be shared with [Party B] within [insert time frame].
Third-party audit clause
This clause requires independent verification of quality.
[Party A] agrees to periodic third-party audits of their quality processes and outputs. Audit reports will be shared with [Party B] within [insert time frame] following each audit.
Data-driven quality clause
This clause incorporates performance metrics into quality assurance.
[Party A] will use data analytics to track and report on quality performance. Key quality metrics must be shared with [Party B] monthly, along with insights and proposed actions for continuous improvement.
Multi-phase delivery clause
This clause sets quality checks at each stage of a phased delivery.
For phased deliveries under this agreement, each phase must meet the specified quality standards before proceeding to the next stage. [Party B] will review and approve each phase within [insert time frame].
Industry certification clause
This clause ensures compliance with specific industry standards.
[Party A] must comply with quality certifications relevant to the [insert industry] industry, including [specific certifications]. Certification updates must be provided to [Party B] annually.
Prototype approval clause
This clause mandates quality review of initial designs.
Before mass production, [Party A] must provide [Party B] with prototypes of goods for quality inspection and approval. Mass production cannot proceed until [Party B] provides written approval.
Supplier substitution clause
This clause handles quality during supplier changes.
[Party A] must obtain [Party B]’s approval before substituting any supplier involved in the production of goods or delivery of services under this agreement. All new suppliers must meet or exceed the current quality standards.
Environmental sustainability clause
This clause ensures quality aligns with environmental goals.
All goods or services provided by [Party A] must meet the environmental quality benchmarks outlined in [insert section or attachment]. Non-compliance will trigger an immediate review and potential penalties.
Error margin clause
This clause defines acceptable tolerance levels for quality.
The goods or services provided under this agreement must meet the specified quality standards within an error margin of [insert percentage or measure]. Any deviations beyond this margin will require corrective actions by [Party A].
Joint venture quality clause
This clause applies to collaborative agreements.
For joint ventures, [Party A] and [Party B] will adhere to mutually agreed quality standards. Quality compliance will be reviewed quarterly, and deviations must be corrected jointly within [insert time frame].
Escalation review clause
This clause outlines steps for addressing repeated quality failures.
If [Party A] fails to meet quality standards more than [insert number] times within a [insert time period], [Party B] reserves the right to escalate the matter to senior management for resolution. Continuous failure may result in termination of the agreement.
Subcontractor compliance clause
This clause ensures subcontractors meet quality standards.
Any subcontractors engaged by [Party A] must comply with the quality standards outlined in this agreement. [Party A] will remain fully responsible for ensuring subcontractor compliance and addressing any non-conformance.
Customer feedback clause
This clause incorporates end-user feedback into quality assessments.
[Party B] reserves the right to consider customer or end-user feedback as part of quality evaluations. [Party A] will address issues highlighted in feedback reports within [insert time frame].
Scheduled review clause
This clause mandates periodic quality reviews.
[Party A] and [Party B] will conduct joint quality reviews at regular intervals, no less than once every [insert time period]. Any deficiencies identified must be corrected by [Party A] within [insert time frame].
Quality guarantee clause
This clause includes a commitment to consistent quality.
[Party A] guarantees that all goods or services provided under this agreement will consistently meet the specified quality standards. Inconsistent quality will require corrective measures at [Party A]’s expense.
Continuous improvement clause
This clause focuses on long-term quality enhancements.
[Party A] agrees to implement a continuous improvement plan to enhance quality over the term of this agreement. Progress updates will be shared with [Party B] semi-annually, including measurable improvements achieved.
Pre-shipment inspection clause
This clause mandates quality checks before delivery.
All goods must undergo pre-shipment inspection by [Party A] to ensure compliance with the agreed quality standards. Inspection reports will be shared with [Party B] prior to shipping.
Warranty compliance clause
This clause ties quality to warranty obligations.
The quality of goods or services provided must meet warranty requirements outlined in [insert section]. Failure to meet these standards will result in immediate warranty enforcement at [Party A]’s expense.
Complaint resolution clause
This clause provides a framework for resolving quality complaints.
[Party A] will investigate and address all quality complaints raised by [Party B] within [insert time frame]. A written resolution plan must be submitted to [Party B] for approval.
Testing protocol clause
This clause outlines quality testing requirements.
[Party A] must follow the testing protocols specified in [insert section] to verify compliance with quality standards. Test results must be documented and provided to [Party B] upon request.
Post-delivery inspection clause
This clause allows quality checks after delivery.
[Party B] reserves the right to inspect goods or services within [insert time frame] of delivery to confirm compliance with quality standards. Any deficiencies identified must be rectified by [Party A] at no additional cost.
Calibration documentation clause
This clause focuses on maintenance of precision equipment.
[Party A] will maintain calibration records for all equipment used in fulfilling this agreement. Records must be accessible to [Party B] for review upon request.
Independent monitoring clause
This clause involves external quality monitoring.
[Party B] may appoint an independent quality monitor to oversee [Party A]’s compliance with the agreed standards. Monitoring costs will be borne by [Party A] if non-compliance is identified.
Quality response time clause
This clause sets a timeframe for addressing quality issues.
[Party A] will respond to all quality issues raised by [Party B] within [insert time frame]. Corrective actions must be completed within an additional [insert time frame].
Training requirement clause
This clause emphasizes staff training for quality assurance.
[Party A] will ensure that all personnel involved in fulfilling this agreement are adequately trained to meet the quality standards specified. Training records must be made available to [Party B] upon request.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.