Quality Begins with What We Check.
From incoming materials to assembled Christmas trees, our quality procedures define inspection requirements at three stages: incoming materials, production and finished products.
In practice, production checks are handled by team leaders, with issues raised for review and rework as needed. Every tree undergoes an assembly check, and every pre-lit tree is powered on before packing.
Our Documented Inspection Framework
IQC — Incoming Quality Control
Incoming materials are subject to inspection requirements before acceptance into inventory. Documented procedures address inspection records, acceptance identification, and the handling of nonconforming materials.
IPQC — In-Process Quality Control
In-process checks are intended to identify production abnormalities and initiate appropriate follow-up before issues move further through manufacturing.
FQC — Final Quality Control
Finished-product inspection covers key characteristics such as appearance, dimensions, and lighting functionality, where applicable.
100% Tree Assembly and Pre-Packing Light Checks
Every tree is set up for an assembly check. This allows the production team to examine the assembled tree and identify issues that may not be apparent when its sections are checked separately.
Every pre-lit tree is powered on before packing to check that its lights operate. Lighting functions are also checked through hands-on operation, according to the features of the product.
Testing for Specific Order Requirements
Stability and Tilt Testing
For orders with specific stability or tilt requirements, we carry out physical tests in the factory. Photographs and videos are provided to document the tested sample and its performance against the customer’s requirements.
Carton Drop Test
For orders requiring carton drop tests, we test packed products in the factory according to the customer’s requirements. Video records from previous tests are available for selected projects.
These tests are order-specific. The applicable products, test conditions and documentation should be confirmed for each project.
When Something Doesn't Meet the Standard
Quality Control Also Means Knowing How to Respond.
Our documented nonconforming-product management procedure outlines how quality issues are identified, recorded, reviewed, and addressed.
Depending on the nature of the issue, the procedure provides for actions such as segregation, rework, sorting, return, or rejection, with escalation and corrective measures where required.
The purpose is not simply to identify a problem, but to establish a defined process for handling it.
Identify
Segregate
Review
Resolve
Verify
Third-Party Testing and Product Documentation
Depending on the product and destination market, supporting documentation may include third-party testing for chemical substances, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and lighting-related requirements.
Previous testing has included assessments relating to REACH and RoHS, substances such as phthalates, lead, cadmium and PAHs, and electrical or lighting requirements such as UL 588 and EN 62471.
Some products are submitted for testing by Northern Forest; other reports are supplied by lighting manufacturers and cover the relevant lighting components. Report availability and coverage vary by model, component and market. A component report should not be treated as certification of the complete tree.
Customer-Appointed Inspection
We regularly cooperate with customer-appointed third-party inspectors. Inspection criteria follow the customer’s requirements or the appointed inspection provider’s standards.
If your order requires a particular sampling plan, acceptance criteria or inspection arrangement, please share these requirements during order planning.
Production Issue Handling
Production team leaders carry out checks within their own work areas. When an issue is identified, it is raised for review, and the team leader organizes the necessary rework.
Request Product-Specific Quality Information
Tell us the model, destination market and inspection or testing requirements for your project. We can confirm which relevant reports, test photographs, videos and third-party inspection documents are available for review.
Documents are shared subject to their product scope, availability and applicable confidentiality requirements.