Write the defect allowance into the contract

Updated: October 29, 2026

Before ordering wear ceramics, record the acceptance requirements agreed for the specific product and duty. A catalogue description, inspection photograph or supplier's usual practice does not establish the requirements of a different order. This is a purchasing checklist, not a universal defect standard or a ready-to-sign contract clause.

Describe the observation before deciding its disposition

• Cracks, chips or surface marks: record their location, appearance, measured extent and the affected item or batch. Identify the wear face and any fit-critical surfaces on the drawing.
• Dimensions: state the drawing revision, dimensions to check, agreed tolerances, measuring method and inspection record.
• Material or density requirements: identify the specified property, agreed method, sampling basis and supporting report. Do not diagnose the firing process or predict service life from a density number alone.
• Unclear observations: keep them open for review against the agreed requirements. A photo alone does not establish whether a mark is harmless or whether an item is acceptable.

Fields to agree before production

1. Product, drawing revision, quantity and the batch identification to be used.
2. Required checks, the locations or surfaces they cover, and any explicitly agreed limits.
3. Sampling and measurement methods, who performs the checks, and what evidence is provided.
4. How suspected non-conformity is identified and held for review.
5. Who may approve a disposition or concession, and the agreed replacement, rework, cost and delivery responsibilities.

How we handle it

We write the acceptance terms into each order and check against them before packing. Our inspection checklist shows what we check. See quality & inspection.