A factory audit is an on-site evaluation of a factory. The objective of a factory audit is to verify whether a manufacturer is able to make a specific order as per your requirements.
Before you commit to a supplier in China, a factory audit is one of the most valuable steps you can take. This guide explains what a factory audit is, what it covers, and why it matters for UK importers.
A factory audit is a systematic on-site assessment of a manufacturer’s capabilities, processes, and compliance. It’s conducted either by your sourcing agent, an independent third-party inspection company, or your own team visiting China.
The goal is to verify that the factory is capable of producing your product to your required quality standards — before you place any orders.
Assesses whether the factory has the equipment, skills, and capacity to produce your product. Covers machinery, production processes, workforce, and quality management systems.
Reviews the factory’s quality management processes against standards such as ISO 9001. Assesses how the factory identifies and addresses quality issues.
Assesses labour practices, working conditions, health and safety, and environmental compliance. Relevant for UK businesses with ethical supply chain commitments or who supply retailers with CSR requirements.
Confirms the factory is a genuine, operational manufacturer (not a trading company) and verifies their business registration and export credentials.
A comprehensive factory audit typically assesses:
There are three main options:
Epic Sourcing conducts factory audits as part of our supplier vetting process for UK clients. Our team visits manufacturers in person to assess their capabilities before you commit.
Email: hello@epicsourcing.co.uk
