AQL

Acceptable Quality Level is the maximum percentage or proportion of defective units or defects that can be considered satisfactory for acceptance sampling purposes. AQL establishes the quality threshold below which delivered products are considered acceptable.

AQL specifications appear in contracts for manufactured goods, particularly defense items subject to formal quality assurance procedures. Understanding AQL requirements helps contractors design quality control processes to meet acceptance criteria and avoid lot rejections. AQL sampling plans determine inspection intensity and acceptance/rejection decisions.