Development or proto sample
The first sample tests the interpretation of the specification: pattern, fit, construction. Comments are collected in writing, with measurements and photos where useful.
Fabric and trim approval
Before bulk fabric is produced or bought, the fabric and trims are approved on swatches — colour against the reference under the agreed light source, and test results where the specification requires them.
Pre-production sample (PPS)
The PPS is made with bulk materials and the production method. Once approved, it is sealed, labelled and recorded; the approval record refers to it by number and date.
Inspection during and after production
Inspection points are agreed in advance: for example at the start of production and before shipment. An inspection compares production against the specification and the approved sample, often using a statistical sampling plan agreed in the order (for example an AQL under ISO 2859-1).
In the trade these stages are usually called the PP / PPS (pre-production sample), the TOP sample (top of production — the first finished, packed units from bulk) and the final inspection before shipment. State which ones your order requires.
Acceptance at delivery
At delivery the goods are checked against the same references. Disagreements are resolved against the written specification and the sealed sample — which is why both must be precise and kept safely.
Writing it into the request
The blank RFQ worksheets on the combat uniform set and modular backpack pages have a “Sample and approval” section: who approves, how many samples and in which sizes. Fill it in before you send the request.
Standards and sources cited
Standards are named so that each requirement can be written with its test method. Editions change: check the edition your contract or tender requires. The documents themselves are sold or published by their owners; the links lead to their official pages.
- ISO 2859-1:2026 — sampling schemes indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection. This edition replaced ISO 2859-1:1999 in January 2026; many current contracts still cite the 1999 edition, so name the one you apply. ISO catalogue
- ISO 105-A01:2010 — general principles of colour fastness testing; the other parts of the ISO 105 series are the individual tests (for example washing or rubbing). ISO catalogue
Questions buyers ask
Who keeps the approved sample?
Usually both parties keep a sealed, labelled counter-sample so the same reference is available at inspection and delivery.
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