C&Z
QC
In the garment industry, whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or brand, you must understand the importance of quality control in this business. This industry shifts swiftly, and any time lost in shipment or defect fixings can lead to unimaginable losses. Moreover, quality issues can quickly disseminate in the digital age, giving competitors an advantage. Therefore, quality control is essential, and quality inspection is the most commonly used method. In this post, we will guide you through the steps of a garment quality inspection, the key checkpoints to focus on, and how can C&Z expertise support your garment quality control.
The Kariginu (狩衣), a traditional Japanese garment originating from the Heian period (794–1185), embodies centuries of craftsmanship and cultural significance. Originally worn by courtiers as informal attire, its distinctive broad sleeves and geometric patterns now symbolize Japan’s rich heritage in Noh theater and ceremonial contexts. However, mass production and globalization have introduced critical quality risks, including toxic materials, structural flaws, and cultural misrepresentation. At CZ-Quality, we implement specialized inspection protocols to safeguard authenticity, safety, and compliance with Japanese regulatory standards.
Synthetic dyes may contain azo compounds or heavy metals exceeding Japan’s Household Goods Quality Labeling Act limits (e.g., formaldehyde ≤75ppm for adults and ≤16ppm for infant-related items).
Our HPLC-MS testing enforces Oeko-Tex Standard 100 compliance, detecting arsenic in traditional pigments and ensuring pH levels of 4.0–7.5 for skin safety.
Residual pesticides or flame retardants in fabrics violate Japan’s Household Products Containing Harmful Substances Control Act, requiring stringent checks for phthalates and PFOA.
Weak seams (＜150N tensile strength) cause embroidery detachment or fabric tearing during movement. We enforce JIS L 1096 tests, requiring:
Silk/cotton blend strength ≥180N.
Stitch density ≥12 stitches/cm for geometric patterns.
Colorfastness issues arise from improper dyeing, necessitating tests for perspiration (ISO 105-E04), sunlight (JIS L 0859), and friction (ISO 105-X12).
Blended fabrics (e.g., polyester silk) undermine traditional materials like 100% cotton or hemp. Our digital thread counting verifies fiber composition per JIS L 0217 guidelines.
AI-powered pattern validation cross-references motifs (e.g., hexagons/squares in Noh costumes) with archives from museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Incorrect labeling of origins or care instructions breaches Japan’s Quality Labeling Law, risking legal penalties under the Product Liability Act.
2023 Supply Chain Audit
A review of Kariginu imports revealed that 32% of products failed Japan’s JIS L 0001 standards due to:Residual needle fragments in 18% of garments, violating Product Liability Law requirements for needle detection.
Formaldehyde (avg. 28ppm vs. 16ppm limit) in 25% of items labeled "infant-safe".
Shrinkage exceeding 3% after washing, contravening dimensional stability norms.
CZ-Quality’s 4-Phase Inspection Solution
Supplier audits for JIS certification and organic fiber verification (e.g., 100% cotton/hemp).
Digital microscopy for embroidery alignment and stitch consistency.
Safety assays: Formaldehyde (JIS L 1041), heavy metals (XRF), and flammability (Fire Service Act).
Performance tests: Colorfastness (JIS L 0860), pilling resistance (ASTM D4970), and shrinkage (JIS L 0217).
Issuance of SIF marks (Japan Sewing Goods Inspection Association) or Q marks for quality assurance.
Partnering with Kyoto’s master artisans, we integrate blockchain traceability and hyperspectral imaging to detect defects with 99.1% accuracy. Our processes align with Japan’s Industrial Standardization Act, ensuring exports meet cultural and regulatory benchmarks.