BlogQA vs QC in Manufacturing: The Essential Quality Checklist for Sourcing from Vietnam (with FEH Insights) (Part 2)

QA vs QC in Manufacturing: The Essential Quality Checklist for Sourcing from Vietnam (with FEH Insights) (Part 2)

In Part 1, we explored how Quality Assurance (QA) lays the foundation for successful sourcing in Vietnam—through clear specifications, supplier vetting, risk prevention, and strong process control.

QA and QC are core principles every manufacturing company must master

But even the best QA system needs a second safeguard.
That safeguard is Quality Control (QC).

If QA is about building the right process, QC is about verifying the right result.

And when sourcing handmade products from Vietnam—where natural materials, artisan techniques, and manual craftsmanship play a central role—QC becomes not just important, but essential.

Part 2 dives deeper into:

  • What QC really looks like inside Vietnamese manufacturing

  • How FEH applies multi-stage inspections for baskets, furniture, lighting, and capiz products

  • The difference between QA vs QC (and why both matter)

  • A complete, practical QC checklist

  • Common mistakes importers make—and how to avoid them

  • How FEH ensures export-ready quality for top markets like the US, EU, Australia, Japan, and Canada

Whether you’re working with a small workshop or a large manufacturer, mastering QC is the key to ensuring your finished goods meet the standards your customers expect.

Let’s jump into the hands-on side of quality: QC in Vietnam manufacturing.

QC is about verifying the right result

What Is Quality Control (QC) in Vietnam Manufacturing?

Quality Control (QC) is the inspection-based part of quality management.
Where QA prevents defects, QC detects defects in:

  • Semi-finished goods

  • Finished goods

  • Packaging

  • Functionality

QC ensures that what leaves Vietnam meets the buyer’s standards.

FEH works closely with buyers and third-party teams during QC inspections

Why QC Is Crucial in Vietnam

Vietnam’s production is highly manual. Even skilled artisans can produce variations, so physical QC checks are essential.

FEH’s QC team performs inspections at every critical stage to ensure all export goods meet requirements for the US, EU, Australia, Japan, and Canada.

Essential QC Processes (Applied Daily at FEH)

In-Line / In-Process Inspection

Checking during weaving, assembly, finishing, and packing helps FEH:

  • Catch defects early

  • Prevent mass mistakes

  • Provide immediate feedback

Early-stage supervision helps ensure clear progress tracking and production control

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Performed on packed goods before loading:

  • Dimensions

  • Color consistency

  • Workmanship

  • Odor control (important for natural fibers)

  • Packaging condition

  • Label accuracy

This is the final quality gate before leaving Vietnam.

Container Loading Check (CLC)

FEH QC team ensures:

  • Correct carton quantity

  • Intact packaging

  • Palletization & moisture control

  • Proper sealing

This prevents container-level issues.

Lab Testing (If Required)

Depending on the product:

  • Structural load tests (furniture)

  • Colorfastness tests (natural fibers)

  • Chemical safety (children’s décor)

  • Electrical safety (lighting)

Selected products require lab testing to meet international standards

Defects Classification & Reports

FEH documents:

  • Minor defects

  • Major defects

  • Critical defects

  • Corrective actions

  • Pass/fail conclusion

Transparency builds buyer trust.

Corrective Actions & Re-Inspection

When issues arise, FEH:

  • Reworks or replaces items

  • Identifies root causes

  • Verifies corrections

  • Updates SOPs

This prevents the same problem from repeating.

QA vs QC: Understanding the Difference

Many buyers use QA and QC interchangeably — but they are not the same.

QA = Prevention
Quality systems, documentation, training, processes

QC = Detection
Inspections, measurements, defect identification

Both are required for successful Vietnam sourcing.

How QA & QC Work Together in FEH’s Production Workflow

Stage Role of QA Role of QC
Supplier onboarding Vet capability & compliance Not active yet
Pre-production Specs, training, risk control Inspect prototypes
Raw materials Approve material sources Spot-check materials
Production SOPs, process checks Inline inspection
Packing Define packaging standards PSI
Shipment Documentation & compliance Container loading check

This synergy ensures reliable, scalable, export-ready quality.

Common QA/QC Challenges When Sourcing from Vietnam (and How FEH Addresses Them)

Communication Gaps

FEH solves this with bilingual teams & clear documentation.

Variability in Handmade Craft Production

We standardize weaving techniques and conduct regular artisan training.

Documentation Inconsistency

FEH provides full compliance documents for all major markets.

Packaging Weakness

We perform carton strength tests and provide moisture-protection solutions.

Quality Checklist for Sourcing from Vietnam (FEH Recommendation)

Supplier Vetting

  • Factory capability

  • Export experience

  • Raw material sources

Clear Standards

  • Tech packs

  • Samples

  • AQL agreement

In-Process Control

  • Inline checks

  • Artisan supervision

Final QC

  • Pre-shipment inspection

  • Packaging tests

  • Label verification

Documentation

  • Compliance

  • Packing list accuracy

Shipment Control

  • Moisture protection

  • Container loading check

Category Item Check Status Notes
1. SUPPLIER VETTING Factory capability [ ]
Export experience [ ]
Raw material sources [ ]
2. CLEAR STANDARDS Tech packs [ ]
Samples [ ]
AQL agreement [ ]
3. IN-PROCESS CONTROL Inline checks [ ]
Artisan supervision [ ]
4. FINAL QC Pre-shipment inspection [ ]
Packaging tests [ ]
Label verification [ ]
5. DOCUMENTATION Compliance [ ]
Packing list accuracy [ ]
6. SHIPMENT CONTROL Moisture protection [ ]
Container loading check [ ]

Refer to FEH’s recommended quality checklist for sourcing from Vietnam

How FEH Supports Buyers with End-to-End Quality Management

FEH’s QA + QC system is built on:

  • 26+ years of export experience
  • Hundreds of artisan partners across Vietnam
  • Dedicated QA managers & QC inspectors
  • A standardized Quality Handbook for all suppliers
  • R&D collaboration with artisans
  • Clear communication and bilingual support

This ensures buyers receive:

  • Consistent product quality
  • Reliable lead times
  • Fewer production surprises
  • Lower defect rates
  • Smoother sourcing experience

FEH is not just a manufacturer—we act as your eyes, your hands, and your quality partner in Vietnam.

Far Eastern Handicraft (FEH) – Your Trusted Vietnamese Partner in Wholesale Handicrafts and Home Décor

Looking for a reliable Vietnam handicraft supplier offering a wide range of eco-friendly home décor at competitive prices?
Since 2003, Far Eastern Handicraft JSC (FEH) has been a trusted B2B handicraft exporter from Vietnam, partnering with over 500 importers, wholesalers, and retailers worldwide who value quality, sustainability, and consistency.

Over 22 Years of Sustainable Craftsmanship and Export Excellence

With more than two decades of experience, FEH specializes in producing high-quality handmade products crafted from sustainable natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, seagrass, water hyacinth, and capiz shell.
We export over 2,000 containers annually to key markets including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, proudly serving both mass-market retailers and premium lifestyle brands seeking authentic, handcrafted collections.

Large-Scale Production with Strict Quality Control

Our extensive network of artisan workshops and modern warehouses enables large production capacity and fast lead times for bulk orders.
Every shipment is monitored by our in-house QC specialists and verified by third-party inspection agencies, ensuring full compliance with international quality and safety standards as well as customer-specific requirements.

Globally Certified & Ethically Managed

As a sustainable handicraft manufacturer in Vietnam, FEH operates under globally recognized certifications:
ISO, amfori BSCI, FSC®-COC, C-TPAT, and ICS.

These certifications guarantee ethical sourcing, traceable materials, and social responsibility across our entire production chain.

Custom Design & Market-Driven R&D

Our in-house R&D and design team continuously follows global décor trends to develop trend-right, commercial-ready collections for your target markets.
Whether you need OEM or ODM services, we collaborate closely with your sourcing and merchandising teams to transform your ideas into products — from sample development to final shipment.

Competitive Pricing for B2B Buyers

Through vertically integrated production and sourcing, FEH offers wholesale pricing that allows importers, distributors, and retailers to achieve excellent profit margins.
Our portfolio covers a wide range of seasonal décor, handmade baskets, trays, storage solutions, and tabletop accessories, designed to fit multiple styles — from boho and coastal to minimal and contemporary.

Why Choose FEH – A Strategic B2B Partner for Global Buyers

With over 21 years of export experience, Far Eastern Handicraft JSC is more than a manufacturer — we are your strategic sourcing partner in Vietnam.
Our deep market understanding allows us to:

  • Tailor product collections by region (e.g., rustic neutrals for the EU, holiday décor for the U.S., coastal tones for Australia).

  • Optimize MOQ, packaging, and logistics for diverse buyer types.

  • Support OEM, ODM, and private label programs with flexibility and transparency.

  • Deliver sustainable, globally certified production that aligns with your brand’s values.

At Far Eastern Handicraft, our clients don’t just buy products — they build lasting partnerships and profitable, scalable collections with a team that understands their language, expectations, and customers.

Let’s Build Your Next Collection

📧 info@fehandicraft.com
📞 +84 988 551 506 (WhatsApp / Zalo / WeChat)
🌐 https://fehandicraft.com