Quality claims are formal notifications raised by a buyer when delivered goods deviate from the agreed specification, covering defects, contamination, temperature abuse or documentation errors, and triggering contractual remedies such as rejection, price reduction or replacement.
In trade practice
Contracts define the evidence required to support a quality claim, typically an independent inspection report or accredited laboratory result, along with deadlines for raising the claim after delivery. A common error is raising a claim outside the contractual window, which can void the buyer’s right to remedy. Temperature deviations require data-logger records from the reefer unit as supporting evidence, and photographic documentation of defects at intake strengthens the claim file.
In a specification
A supply contract should specify the time limit for raising quality claims after delivery, the required supporting documents, and the remedies available, such as credit note, replacement shipment or partial rejection.