Quick Answer
A thorough factory audit checklist covers six areas: company legitimacy, production capability and equipment, quality control systems, subcontracting and material sourcing, certifications, and basic worker safety. The single most important checks confirm the factory makes your product itself and has working quality control.
The Six Areas to Assess
- Legitimacy — business license, registered name, scope, and matching bank account.
- Capability — relevant machinery in working order, capacity vs. your order, workforce skill.
- Quality systems — incoming material checks, in-line QC, final inspection, defect tracking.
- Subcontracting — what is made in-house vs. outsourced, and to where.
- Certifications — held, current, and verifiable with the issuer.
- Safety — fire exits, machine guarding, PPE, and basic electrical safety.
The Highest-Value Checks
Two checks prevent most problems: confirming the factory produces your product on its own line (not subcontracting to an unverified site), and confirming it runs real quality control with defect tracking. A factory that passes both is far less likely to surprise you in production. See audit types for which audit to run.
Key Takeaways
- Cover legitimacy, capability, QC, subcontracting, certs, and safety.
- Confirm production happens in-house, not subcontracted.
- Verify quality control and defect tracking exist.
- Check certifications with the issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a factory audit check?
It should cover company legitimacy, production capability and equipment, quality control systems, subcontracting practices, certifications, and basic worker safety — confirming the factory can make your product to standard.
What is the most important thing to check in a factory?
That the factory actually produces your product on its own line rather than subcontracting to an unverified site, and that it runs real quality control. These two checks prevent most production failures.
How long does a factory audit take?
A typical on-site audit takes one day on site plus reporting, usually delivered within a few business days. Larger or more complex factories may take longer.
Can I audit a factory myself?
You can, with a structured checklist and ideally a Mandarin speaker, but most buyers commission a professional or sourcing partner who knows what to look for and can interpret findings objectively.
Can Plutonia run a 50-point factory audit?
Yes. Plutonia conducts structured factory audits covering legitimacy, capability, quality systems, subcontracting, certifications, and safety, with a written report and risk rating.