Direct decision rule
An attractive sample is not a production control. Approve a golden sample and a written specification, then inspect against both before shipment.
Use this stage when
- The sample was handmade, sourced from stock or supplied before final certification.
- Components, firmware, packaging or accessories may change between batches.
- The order includes private-label, localization or market-specific variants.
Evidence to collect
- Signed golden sample, model specification and approved change history.
- Critical component, firmware, packaging and accessory requirements.
- Pre-production sample and agreed inspection or acceptance plan.
- Batch, serial, date-code and non-conformance records.
Decision checklist
- Freeze the model, revision, color, plug, firmware and packaging.
- Define which changes require written importer approval.
- Set inspection timing, sample size, defect limits and remedies.
- Retain reference samples from the inspected production batch.
Risks and exceptions
Requirements vary by product, destination market, Incoterm and the legal structure of the transaction. Public information is a screening input, not a substitute for current legal, customs, tax, compliance or laboratory advice for the exact product and market.
