A Third Party Inspection, or TPI, is the term used for independent impartial inspection services provided by a qualified company. There are three common types of inspections. First party inspections are performed by the manufacturers themselves on their own. Second party inspections are performed by the buyer or the buyers’ in-house quality team.Third party inspections are made by an independent company, usually hired by the buyer, to ensure that all the products are up to the needed quality standard and the manufacturing process itself meets the international standards in term of quality management system (ISO 9001), social acceptable practices (SA 8000) and environmental management (ISO 14000). One of the main benefits of third party inspections, as opposed to those performed by either the manufacturer or the buyer, is that the inspectors performing TPIs are unbiased by either side and can thus deliver a verdict that is fair without compromising the interests of either party.
Most companies consider third party inspections a well-justified expense. They are performed by companies with a strong expertise, working on the ground every day. They provide a neutral opinion on the goods quality and allow to keep a close eye on quality consistency on site without having to be there.
This way, the buyers are fully aware even at distance, of the manufacturing process, and can build a confident relationship with the supplier. Moreover, despite coming at a cost, TPIs end up saving you money by helping avoid expensive errors or employing an in-house QC team.
ILPA has tied up with a few internationally reputed inspection agencies and helps organise Third Party inspection for its members.