Audit Report on Chinese Window Factories for Glass and Window Certifications

Introduction

At Kora Enterprises, we undertook a thorough audit of Chinese window and glass manufacturers to ensure their compliance with New Zealand and Australian standards. Out of nine suppliers evaluated, only one fulfilled all our stringent requirements.

Window Inspection Insights

Client Testimonial: "As a builder, it is the very best quality I have ever seen in my entire career."

Key Findings

• AS/NZS 2047-2014: Ensuring windows and doors meet safety, structural, and energy efficiency standards. Seven suppliers fully complied.

• AS/NZS 2208:1996: Specifying safety glazing materials to prevent injury. Five suppliers were fully compliant.

• AS/4666-2012: Defining requirements for insulating glass units for better thermal and acoustic insulation. Two suppliers fully met this standard.

• AS 1288: Providing guidelines for selecting and installing glass in buildings. Three suppliers met these guidelines comprehensively.

• AGGA: Representing the glass and glazing industry standards. Two suppliers were AGGA members.

• AGWA: Promoting high standards for glass and window products. One supplier had AGWA certification.

• WERS: Rating the energy performance of windows. One supplier's products were WERS-rated.

• AWA: Promoting high standards in the window industry. Certification held by one supplier.

• NATA: Ensuring rigorous testing and inspection for compliance. One supplier was tested by a NATA-accredited agency.

Summary of Findings

From our pool of Chinese suppliers, we shortlisted nine suppliers with AS/NZS certifications. However, only one met our comprehensive quality standards through rigorous audit.

Detailed Findings

• AS/NZS 2047-2014: Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings
  • Importance: Ensures windows and external glazed doors meet safety, structural, and energy efficiency standards.
  • Audit Result: Seven suppliers provided comprehensive evidence of compliance.

• AS/NZS 2208:1996: Safety Glazing in Buildings
  • Importance: Specifies safety glazing materials designed to minimize injury from glass breakage.
  • Audit Result: Five suppliers demonstrated full compliance.

• AS/4666-2012: Insulating Glass Units
  • Importance: Defines requirements for insulating glass units, improving thermal and acoustic insulation.
  • Audit Result: Two suppliers' IGUs were fully compliant.

• AS 1288: Glass in Buildings - Selection and Installation
  • Importance: Provides guidelines for selecting and installing glass in buildings.
  • Audit Result: Three suppliers met the guidelines comprehensively.

• AGGA: Australian Glass & Glazing Association
  • Importance: Represents the glass and glazing industry in Australia, ensuring high-quality workmanship and compliance with national standards.
  • Audit Result: Two suppliers were AGGA members.

• AGWA: Australian Glass & Window Association
  • Importance: Promotes high standards for glass and window products.
  • Audit Result: One supplier had AGWA certification.

• WERS: Window Energy Rating System
  • Importance: Rates the energy performance of windows.
  • Audit Result: One supplier's products were rated by WERS.

• AWA: Australian Window Association
  • Importance: Promotes high standards in the window industry through certification.
  • Audit Result: Certification held by one supplier.

• NATA: National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
  • Importance: Ensures inspection agencies meet international standards for technical competence.
  • Audit Result: Testing conducted by a NATA-accredited agency for one supplier.

Conclusion

Ensuring compliance with these standards and certifications is vital for the safety, performance, and energy efficiency of glass and window products. They establish a framework for industry best practices, protecting building occupants and enhancing sustainability. Only one supplier from our audited pool met all the necessary standards, highlighting the importance of rigorous due diligence in sourcing reliable, high-quality products.

Looking Ahead

For a robust supply chain or a dedicated procurement partner in China, trust Kora Enterprises for your business needs.