Contact Sales
Sign Up
Login
back icon

Back

Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films)

Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films) Inspection Checklist and Template

Flexible packaging, including pouches and films, is a versatile and popular product used in various industries. It offers convenience, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Quality and user experience are crucial factors when sourcing from Asian manufacturing countries like China, India, and Vietnam. While these countries offer competitive pricing, there are potential quality risks. Thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are essential to ensure product reliability and safety. Buyers should prioritize working with trusted suppliers and conducting regular inspections to maintain high standards. By prioritizing quality and user experience, businesses can confidently source flexible packaging from Asia while mitigating potential risks.

Flexible Packaging Inspection

What to look for when inspecting Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films)?

  • Seal integrity check
  • Print quality check
  • Material thickness check
  • Color consistency check
  • Barcode/QR code readability check
  • Lamination quality check
  • Tear resistance check
  • Pouch/film dimensions check
  • Gusset alignment check
  • Zipper functionality check
  • Spout/cap attachment check
  • Ink adhesion check
  • Film clarity check
  • Heat resistance check
  • Packaging integrity check
  • Smell test
  • Function check
Checkpoints Icon

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Instructions Icon

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

Satisfied Customer Icon

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

Nancy Wan

Nancy Wan

Senior Supervisor at QCADVISOR, based in Chongqing, China. Nancy has deep expertise in toys and hardware categories, providing detailed and accurate inspection standards. Her hands-on experience ensures quality benchmarks reflect current manufacturing realities, effectively minimizing risks during production.

General Inspection Process

  1. Check for any visible tears, punctures, or holes in the packaging material.
  2. Inspect the seams and seals of the pouches or films for any signs of leakage or improper sealing.
  3. Ensure that the packaging material is free from any wrinkles, creases, or folds that could affect its integrity.
  4. Verify that the printed information on the packaging, such as product name, logo, and instructions, is clear and legible.
  5. Check for any discoloration or fading of the packaging material, which could indicate exposure to light or heat.
  6. Inspect the packaging for any foreign objects or contaminants that may have been trapped during the manufacturing process.
  7. Ensure that the packaging material is odorless and does not emit any unusual smells.
  8. Verify that the packaging is properly sized and fits the product securely without excessive slack or tightness.
  9. Check the transparency of the packaging material to ensure that the product inside is visible and easily identifiable.
  10. Inspect the packaging for any signs of moisture or condensation, which could indicate a compromised seal.
  11. Verify that the packaging material is resistant to punctures and tears by applying light pressure with a finger or a blunt object.
  12. Check the flexibility of the packaging material to ensure that it can withstand bending or folding without breaking.
  13. Inspect the packaging for any signs of delamination or separation of layers, which could compromise its strength.
  14. Verify that the packaging material is resistant to UV light, especially if the product is sensitive to sunlight exposure.
  15. Check the packaging for any embossing or debossing that may affect its appearance or functionality.
  16. Inspect the packaging for any printing defects, such as smudging, misalignment, or incomplete graphics.
  17. Verify that the packaging material is resistant to moisture and humidity by exposing it to a damp cloth or a humid environment.
  18. Check the tear resistance of the packaging material by attempting to tear it along the edges or seams.
  19. Inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering or unauthorized opening, such as broken seals or resealing attempts.
  20. Verify that the packaging material is compatible with the product’s storage requirements, such as temperature and humidity conditions.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films)

When importing Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films) from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.
Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.
United States

Mandatory

  • FDA 21 CFR Part 177: Regulations for indirect food additives.
  • ASTM D6400: Standards for compostable plastics.
  • CFR Title 16 Part 1700: Requirements for child-resistant packaging.
  • Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH): Limits on heavy metals in packaging.

Recommended

  • ASTM F2029: Guidelines for heat seal strength of flexible webs.
  • ASTM F88: Methods for seal strength of flexible barrier materials.
  • ASTM D882: Standards for tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting.
  • ISO 14001: Environmental management system standards.
European Union

Mandatory

  • EU Regulation 10/2011: Safety requirements for food contact materials.
  • EN 13432: Standards for compostability and biodegradability.
  • REACH Regulation: Registration, evaluation, authorization of chemicals.
  • Directive 94/62/EC: Standards for packaging and packaging waste.

Recommended

  • EN 1186: Methods for testing migration from plastics.
  • EN 15593: Management of hygiene in the production of packaging.
  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • ISO 22000: Food safety management system standards.
United Kingdom

Mandatory

  • UK Food Contact Materials Regulations: Compliance for food contact safety.
  • UK Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations: Standards for packaging waste.
  • REACH Regulation: Compliance for chemical safety.

Recommended

  • BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard: Certification for packaging quality.
  • BS EN 15593: Hygiene standards for packaging production.
  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • EN 13432: Compostability and biodegradability standards.
Canada

Mandatory

  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Guidelines: Regulations for food packaging.
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): Requirements for chemical safety.
  • Health Canada Food Packaging Regulations: Compliance for food contact safety.

Recommended

  • CAN/CSA-ISO 14021: Environmental claims and labeling standards.
  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • ASTM D6866: Standards for determining biobased content.
Australia

Mandatory

  • Australian Standard AS 2070: Standards for plastics in contact with food.
  • National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM): Regulations for packaging waste.
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Requirements: Standards for medical packaging.

Recommended

  • AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental management system standards.
  • HACCP Certification: Hazard analysis and critical control points for safety.
  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
Gulf Countries

Mandatory

  • Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Standards: Requirements for food contact materials.
  • GCC Technical Regulation on Packaging: Compliance for packaging safety.

Recommended

  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • ISO 14001: Environmental management system standards.
  • HACCP Certification: Safety standards for food-related packaging.
Singapore

Mandatory

  • Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) Regulations: Standards for food contact materials.
  • Singapore Standards SS 585: Hazard communication for hazardous substances.

Recommended

  • ISO 22000: Food safety management system standards.
  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • Singapore Green Label: Certification for environmental friendliness.
Hong Kong

Mandatory

  • Hong Kong Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations: Compliance for food packaging.
  • Waste Disposal Ordinance: Regulations for packaging waste management.

Recommended

  • ISO 9001: Quality management system standards.
  • ISO 14001: Environmental management system standards.
  • HACCP Certification: Safety standards for food-related packaging.
Need more details on Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films) Checklist?
Flexible Packaging (Pouches, Films)

What is inside this checklist

  • Burst strength test
  • Tensile strength test
  • Tear resistance test
  • Heat seal strength test
  • Oxygen transmission rate test
  • Moisture vapor transmission rate test
  • Coefficient of friction test
  • Print quality inspection
  • Dimensional measurement
  • Visual inspection

More About Our Services

Factory Audit

Factory Audit

Qualify your suppliers and inspect your products according to your specifications and local regulatory standards.
Ensure compliance before shipping from your suppliers.

Learn More

Product Inspection

Product Inspection

Ordering products from a supplier in China might present real risks. For this reason, it is critical to confirm your specifications and regulatory standards are met before your goods are shipped.

Learn More

Trusted Worldwide

We inspect products for the world-leading brands and marketplaces.