To inspect floor tiles before shipment, take a random sample of boxes from the finished lot and check them against your written specification. Check the count and box marks, then shade, calibre, flatness and surface quality, then packing. Finish by supervising the loading.
An inspection is only as good as the specification behind it. If your order does not state the grade, shade, calibre and acceptance rules, the inspector has nothing firm to check against. Our guide on writing a vitrified floor tile specification sets that out.
Before the inspection
- Agree the inspection date when production and sorting are complete and most boxes are packed.
- Send the inspector the purchase order, approved sample photographs, the grade definition and the packing list.
- Agree the sampling plan in advance; many buyers use ISO 2859-1 general inspection levels.
- Ask the factory to have all pallets accessible, so boxes can be drawn at random.
Sampling levels are explained in what AQL is used for tile inspection.
Step 1: Count and marks
Check that the number of pallets and boxes for each design matches the packing list. Open sample boxes and count the tiles. Check the box marks: design, size, grade, shade, calibre and batch codes.
Every box of one design should carry the same shade and calibre code, unless you agreed otherwise in writing. If two codes appear, stop and ask why before going further.
Step 2: Shade and faces
Lay tiles from several boxes side by side on the floor, in good daylight or under consistent lighting. Compare them with each other and with your approved sample. Look at them from standing height, as a customer will.
Check that the faces are mixed within each box. A patch of identical faces on a mock-up is a warning sign. Our guide on shade and batch numbers explains what the codes should mean.
Step 3: Size, flatness and thickness
- Measure length and width on a sample of tiles with a calibrated steel rule or calliper.
- Check flatness with a straightedge across the diagonal and along the edges, and look for gaps.
- Check rectangularity with a square on the corners.
- Measure thickness at several points on each tile.
- Record the results against the tolerances in your specification.
Step 4: Surface quality
Inspect the surface of each sampled tile at standing distance under good light, as the visual check in ISO 10545-2 describes. Look for chips, cracks, pinholes, spots, print faults and polishing faults. Separate defects into critical, major and minor, as your specification defines them.
For polished tiles, use a low-angle light or a torch to show waves and haze. For textured tiles, check that the texture is complete and matches the print.
Step 5: Packing and loading
- Check box strength, corner protection and strapping on the pallets.
- Check pallet type and markings if your market needs ISPM 15 treated wood.
- Watch the loading to confirm the pallets that were inspected go into the container.
- Check the container is clean, dry and undamaged before loading starts.
- Photograph the loading, the final layout and the container seal number.
The report and lab tests
The inspection report should list what was checked, the sample size, the results and photographs of any defects. It should end with a clear pass, fail or pending result. Read what a tile pre-shipment inspection report should include.
Visual inspection does not measure water absorption, breaking strength or slip resistance. If your market needs these, draw samples during inspection and send them to an accredited laboratory for ISO 10545 tests.
Next step
We inspect production, draw samples for testing and supervise loading, then send you a report before you pay the balance. To set up inspection for your next order, book a free sourcing review.