Tongcao (Sola) flowers are handcrafted from the pith of the Sola plant and are widely used in home décor, gifting, aromatherapy products, and artificial floral arrangements. Due to their delicate and porous structure, maintaining product quality throughout production and shipment is essential.
A professional inspection ensures that only visually acceptable and structurally intact Sola flowers reach the customer.
1. Defect Classification Criteria
During inspection, Tongcao flowers are checked based on the following defect categories:
Critical Defects
- Mold growth or fungal contamination
- Pest infestation or insect damage
- Strong unpleasant odor
- Wet or damp material condition
- Broken stems affecting usability
Any product with critical defects is rejected immediately as it impacts safety and usability.
Major Defects
- Torn or cracked petals
- Deformed flower shape
- Burn marks or discoloration
- Excessive glue marks
- Detached petals or loose layers
- Inconsistent dyeing or color bleeding
- Visible dirt or contamination
Major defects affect the aesthetic value of the product and are not acceptable for retail-grade shipments.
Minor Defects
- Slight variation in size
- Minor uneven cutting
- Slight color shade difference (natural variation)
- Small surface scratches
- Light fraying on petal edges
Minor defects are generally accepted within defined AQL limits.
2. Inspection & Testing Methods
Inspectors perform the following checks based on international sampling procedures:
Visual Inspection
- Shape consistency
- Petal symmetry
- Color uniformity
- Surface finish
- Craftsmanship quality
Inspection is carried out under adequate lighting conditions.
Moisture Content Check
Due to the plant-based material, excessive moisture may cause:
- Mold formation
- Product deformation
- Fungal growth during transit
Moisture meters are used to ensure the material remains within acceptable dryness levels before packing.
Smell Test
Random samples are checked to confirm:
- No chemical odor
- No musty or damp smell
This ensures suitability for fragrance or decorative applications.
Dimension Verification
- Flower diameter
- Stem length
- Overall product size
Measurements are verified against approved product specifications.
3. Packing Method Verification
Proper packing is essential to prevent deformation during storage and shipment.
Inspectors verify:
- Use of clean, dry inner polybags
- Individual or layered protection using tissue or bubble wrap
- Use of silica gel for moisture control
- Carton strength and stacking resistance
- No compression or overpacking
- Proper labeling and quantity verification
Cartons must pass drop test and stacking checks to ensure safe transportation.
4. Shipment Readiness Confirmation
Before dispatch, inspectors confirm:
- Product quantity matches purchase order
- Assortment accuracy
- Carton marking compliance
- Clean and damage-free packaging
- Overall workmanship meets customer-approved samples