SOP for Raw Material Inspection.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Purpose:
To outline the procedure for the inspection, sampling, and approval or rejection of incoming raw materials to ensure they meet the required quality standards.
Scope:
This procedure applies to all raw materials received in the warehouse that are intended for use in production.
Responsibility:
QC Personnel: Perform inspection, sampling, and testing.
Warehouse Personnel: Support material receipt and storage.
QA Manager: Review and approve inspection results.
Procedure:
Material Receipt
Upon arrival, verify that raw materials are accompanied by supplier documentation (invoice, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), etc.).
Check labeling, packaging integrity, and batch/lot numbers.
Quarantine and Identification
Label incoming material as “Under QC Inspection” and store in the quarantine area.
Assign a unique Goods Received Note (GRN) or inspection number.
Sampling
- Perform sampling as per the sampling plan (e.g., ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or company-specific guidelines).
- Use cleaned and sterilized tools for sampling.
- Label samples appropriately and transfer to QC Lab for analysis.
Testing
Conduct physical, chemical, and/or microbiological tests as per the material specification.
Record all results in the raw material test report format.
Approval or Rejection
Compare test results with specifications-
- If within limits, label the material as “QC Approved” and move to approved storage.
- If outside limits, label as “QC Rejected”, segregate, and report to QA for further action.
Documentation
Maintain records of inspection, test results, CoAs, and any deviations.
Ensure traceability of material from receipt to use/rejection.
References:
- Material Specification Sheet
- Sampling Plan
- ISO 2859 / ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (if applicable)
Attachments:
- Raw Material Inspection Form
- Sample Rejection Report
- Label Templates (QC Approved / Rejected / Under Test).
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